Tag: sports

TYPES OF BETS: ACCUMULATOR

Here at Bet King Compare we like to make sure that our players are armed with all the available information needed when placing a bet on football. In this opening section we will take a look at the most popular type of football bet – the “acca” or accumulator to give it its full name.

Most people who read this will have some experience of placing an accumulator bet and know how frustrating it can be when just one team lets you down for a massive payout (we’ve all been there dont worry). So, first of all lets start start with the basics.

How does an accumulator bet work?

Picking winners in football betting can be difficult enough, so adding multiple teams into one bet is making it very hard for your wagers to win.

Accumulators are popular with football fans as they allow punters to bet on short-priced favourites at decent odds by combining them with a number of other teams.

There may be little logic in placing a bet on Barcelona to win a game if they are priced up at 1/8, but by adding them into an accumulator with other teams you also expect to win, the odds can become a lot more appealing.

Working out a football accumulator is fairly easy and there are a number of online calculators that make it even easier. Bookmakers will also show the odds you will receive as you add teams into your planned acca.

Its always a good idea to shop around for odds to make sure that you get the best possible price on football accas.

How to win accumulators on football

How to win a football accumulator? erm, unfortunately there is no easy answer, otherwise we would all be billionaires! There is a reason you never see a poor bookmaker, after all.

A good starting point when putting together football accas can be to think of odds in terms of percentages. For example, a team that is priced up at 6/4 with the bookmakers to win a particular game should have a 40% chance of winning that match, if the odds are fair. Traders who think that team has a much better chance of winning than 40% should consider putting that team in their accumulator.

For example, let’s say that Manchester United are at home and are priced at 1/9 to win the game. This means they have a 90% chance of winning the match. While they are highly likely to win on the day, there is always a chance in football that a shock result happens, so perhaps it is better to avoid the short-priced teams in accas.

Another important thing to keep in mind when placing accumulators as a football trader is to get the best possible odds. Compare odds online to make sure you are getting the top price available, as the odds for 10-team accumulators can vary wildly from bookmaker to bookmaker, hitting your profits hard if your bet is a winner.

Draw no bet accumulator explained

There are loads of different football accumulators you can place, although we have mainly focused on the match odds markets in this article. For example, a lot of people like to place Both Teams to Score – or BTS – accumulators as these can be alive in the very last minutes of the game regardless of which teams are winning. Accumulators based on under/over 2.5 goals are popular too, while big odds can be achieved by combining match odds and BTS in an accumulator.

One type of football accumulator that is becoming a lot more common, especially with football traders, is the draw no bet accumulator. So, how does a draw no bet acca work? Draw no bet means that your selection is void if the game ends in a draw, with the bet similar to the double chance option that is available, with the benefit of the odds being better.

DNB accas can therefore be a good way to side with less-fancied teams, but there is always a fair chance that your bet will end up void as a result of at least one draw result. The rest of the bet continues with reduced odds if one of the games ends in a draw, keeping the bet alive for longer.

Research has also shown that DNB accumulators are more profitable than when double chance bets are used instead, so it is well worth traders experimenting with this type of bet. As always, before committing serious sums of money on bets make sure you are fully comfortable with how they work, the risks involved and the profits you can expect to reap as a result.

Explaining Different Types of Bets

Single

A Single is a bet on 1 selection in one event. Your selection must be successful to get a return.

Each Way

You bet on a horse to Win or be Placed. However the term “Placed” can vary depending on the type of race and the number of runners: The place portion of this bet pays out at 1/4 of the win odds. A £1 unit stake Each Way bet would cost £2 (£1 to win + £1 to place). For example, if the horse wins at odds of 8/1 the £1 win portion of the stake is multiplied by 8 and returned with the original £1 win betting stake paying out £9, just like a normal ‘Single’. And the £1 place portion of the betting stake is multiplied by 1/4 of the odds, so 8/1 becomes 2/1, with the original £1 place betting stake paying out £3 – thus total winnings of £12. But If your horse finishes in second, third or fourth the £1 win portion of the stake is lost and ONLY the £1 place part of the betting stake is multiplied by 1/4 of the odds, resulting in total winnings of £3.

Number of Placed Positions

2 to 4 runners = each way betting does not apply

5 to 7 runners = first two places pay out

8 or more runners = first three places pay out

16 or more in a handicap = first four places pay out

Accumulators

Also called a ‘Roll-Up’ or ‘Acca’. One bet requiring any number of selections but all the selections must win to have a return. The winnings are calculated by placing all the money on the first selection, then the winnings from that bet is placed on the next bet, etc.

Doubles, Trebles, Four-Fold Accumulators, etc

A Double is an accumulator of 2 selections, and a Treble is of 3 selections. After that, they are just known as a ‘Four-Fold Accumulator’, ‘Five-Fold Accumulator’, etc…

Trixie

A Trixie consists of 4 bets involving 3 selections in different events. The bet includes 3 doubles and 1 treble. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return. For example, if your 3 selections were A, B and C, then your 4 bets would be AB, AC, BC, and ABC.

Patent

A Patent consists of 7 bets involving 3 selections in different events. The bet includes a single on each selection, plus 3 doubles and 1 treble. Just one successful selection guarantees a return. For example, if your 3 selections were A, B, and C, then your 7 bets would be A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, and ABC.

Yankee

A Yankee consists of 11 bets involving 4 selections in different events. The bet includes 6 doubles, 4 trebles, and an accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return. For example, if your 4 selections were A, B, C, and D, then your 11 bets would be AB, AC, AC, BC, BD, CD, ABC, ABD, BCD, ACD and a Four-Fold accumulator ABCD.

Lucky 15

A Lucky 15 consists of 15 bets involving 4 selections in different events. The bet includes 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, and 1 four-fold. If only one selection wins, as a consolation returns are paid to treble the odds. If all four selections win, a bonus of 20% is added to total returns. For the bonus to apply, all selections must win (does not apply to void or non-runners). If only one of the selections wins, you receive treble the odds. For each-way bets the consolation is paid only on the win part of the bet. Lucky 15 bets are accepted on horse racing, greyhounds only and correct scores.

Canadian

A Canadian (also known as a Super Yankee) consists of 26 bets involving 5 selections in different events. The bet includes 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds plus an accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Lucky 31

A Lucky 31 consists of 31 bets involving 5 selections in different events. The bets include 5 singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds and a five-fold accumulator. If only one selection wins, returns are paid to four times the odds. If four of the selections win, a bonus of 15% is added to total returns. If all five selections win, a bonus of 25% is added to total returns. For the bonus to apply, all selections must win (does not apply to void or non-runners). For each-way bets the consolation is paid only on the win part of the bet. Lucky 31 bets are accepted on horse racing, greyhounds only and correct scores.

Heinz

A Heinz consists of 57 bets involving 6 selections in different events. The bet includes 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds and a six-fold accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Lucky 63

A Lucky 63 consists of 63 bets involving 6 selections in different events. The bet includes 6 singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds and a six-fold accumulator. If only one selection wins, returns are paid to five times the odds. If five of the selections win, a bonus of 20% is added to total returns. If all six selections win, a bonus of 33% is added to total returns. For the bonus to apply, all selections must win (none void or non-runners). For each-way bets the consolation is paid only on the win part of the bet. Lucky 63 bets are accepted on horse racing, greyhounds and correct scores.

Super Heinz

A Super Heinz consists of 120 bets involving 7 selections in different events. The bet includes 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 four-folds, 21 five-folds, 7 six-folds and a seven-fold accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Goliath

A Goliath consists of 247 bets involving 8 selections in different events. The bet includes 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 four-folds, 56 five-folds, 28 six-folds, 8 seven-folds and an eight-fold accumulator. A minimum of 2 of your selections must be successful to get a return.

Straight Forecast

A Straight Forecast involves 2 selections in 1 race finishing 1st and 2nd in the order named.

Reversed Forecast

A Reversed Forecast involves 2 selections in 1 race finishing 1st and 2nd in either order. As such it is two straight forecasts, AB and BA.

Combination Forecasts

Combination Forecasts involve 3 or more selections in a race, with any 2 to finish 1st and 2nd in any order.

Straight Tricasts

Straight Tricasts involve 3 selections in a race finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the order named.

Combination Tricasts

Combination Tricasts involve 3 or more selections in a race finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in any order.

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Everything you need to know about the Cheltenham Festival 2018

The Cheltenham Festival 2018 is fast approaching and begins on 13th March with the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle. Here is everything you need to know about the big four days at Prestbury Park.

When is the Cheltenham Festival?

The 2018 Cheltenham Festival will take place between Tuesday, March 13 and Friday, March 16.

Where is the Cheltenham Festival?

The meeting takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, on the outskirts of the Gloucestershire spa town of Cheltenham.

How do I buy tickets?

The easiest way is usually to buy tickets through the racecourse’s website. On-the-day sales are sometimes an option, but are not recommended and the final day of the meeting, headlined by the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, historically sells out.

How do I follow it on TV and online?

Coverage of the Cheltenham Festival will be on ITV, which will show the first five races on each of the four days. Full televised coverage of all 28 races can be found on the Racing UK subscription channel.

What are the big races?

The four main championship races headline each of the four days. Tuesday, known as Champion Day, includes the Champion Hurdle. Wednesday, Ladies’ Day, the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Thursday is known as St Patrick’s Thursday, whichever date it happens to fall on, and hosts the Stayers’ Hurdle (as well as the de facto fifth championship event, the Ryanair Chase). Gold Cup day features the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious prize in jumps racing.

What about the other races?

Just about every division in National Hunt racing is covered in the Cheltenham Festival, which earns it the moniker of jump racing’s Olympics. Some races are subject to long-term sponsorship deals and are better known by those names. The full schedule is as follows:

At the time of writing, two of last year’s champions are on course to mount a strong defence of their title. Buveur D’Air is a warm order for a second Champion Hurdle, while Sizing John has good claims of following up in what looks an open Gold Cup.

Special Tiara, last year’s Champion Chase winner, is also a likely runner but has looked a fading force this season. He also has to contend with jump racing’s rising star Altior, who won the Racing Post Arkle last year and remains unbeaten over both hurdles and fences.

One of the star human names is Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, who along with stable jockey Ruby Walsh has plundered plenty of prizes at the meeting in recent seasons, especially on day one. British champion trainer Nicky Henderson is set for a big week with both Altior and Buveur D’Air in his care, while Gordon Elliott, last year’s leading trainer at the meeting, saddles big novice hurdle hope and Irish banker Samcro in the Ballymore.

About Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham is at the heart of almost every aspect of Jump racing. This is the place where owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and breeders dream of having winners. It’s the place where the most important races are run. This is where many stars of the future go through the sale ring. But most of all, this is the place where the equine and human champions forge their reputations.

As always, there is much to look forward to in the season, with 16 exciting days of top class Jump racing. Hundreds of thousands of racing fans come to Cheltenham every year, but you don’t need to be an expert to make lasting memories.The wide variety of experiences range from the relaxed feel of the meetings in October and April, to the heady excitement of The November Meeting and the family fun of New Year’s Day.

However, the focus of any jumping season is always The Cheltenham Festival which is the shining jewel in jump-racing’s crown. It is four days of magic, magnificence and madness, played out on a stage framed by the breathtaking vista of the Cotswold Hills. It features a cast of the best horses, jockeys and trainers playing to an audience of 260,000 people, all of whom are determined to have the time of their lives.

£45 million redevelopment of the Home of Jump racing

Cheltenham Racecourse opened its new, five and a half storey grandstand, The Princess Royal Stand, on the first day of The Open, Friday 13th November 2015, on time and on budget. The grandstand is the final part of a £45million redevelopment of the course.

Over a 19month period, from 2013-2015, a number of different areas of Cheltenham Racecourse were redeveloped, with the new stand the centrepiece of the project. The grandstand provides a number of bars, toilets, restaurants, private boxes and viewing facilities for racegoers.

The ground floor of The Princess Royal Stand consists of a public bar, called the Vestey Bar after Lord Vestey who was Chairman of Cheltenham for 21 years until 2011. A bistro also provides hot food and a seafood offering.

The first floor of the stand provides a great new bar for Annual Members who have access directly onto their own section of steppings looking on to the racecourse. The remainder of the first floor is the Big Buck’s Champagne Bar, named after the horse that won an unprecedented four World Hurdles and 18 consecutive races, also with direct access onto the viewing steps of the grandstand.

The second floor of the grandstand consists of an Owners & Trainers Bar, with a balcony overlooking the Parade Ring, horsewalk and course and The Cotswolds Club, an area available to those who used to have one of the A+R boxes which were removed to make way for the new stand.

Moving up a floor, the third floor, to The Royal Box and 11 private boxes. Finally the top floor houses The Cheltenham Club, where members are allocated a table for the season, from which to enjoy a four course, a la carte lunch, stunning views of Cleeve Hill and the Malvern Hills at the back of the stand and even a fireplace to keep warm between races during the winter months. This facility provides an unrivaled offer of fine dining combined with a stunning sporting setting.

The opening of the new stand signified the end of a £45million redevelopment of Cheltenham Racecourse, the largest of its kind by The Jockey Club. A total of 14 different projects have been completed over the 19 month construction period, including a refurbished weighing room, a new first aid room and the new crescent walkway which greatly assists racegoers’ mobility behind the grandstand and offer additional viewing of the parade ring.

Paul Fisher, Group Managing Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, commented at the time: “The Jockey Club exists to support the long-term future of British racing and we see this £45m development as an important investment in Cheltenham and Jump Racing as a whole, on the back of putting more than £400m back into our sport in just the last decade.

“We’ve been delighted with the feedback as each project within the development has been completed and opened, but the centerpiece has always been the fantastic new grandstand. We were clear we wanted to offer something for everyone in the facility and a huge credit must go to all of the Cheltenham team as well as our development partners, primarily Kier, and architects Roberts Limbrick for completing a project of this scale not only on budget but ahead of schedule and to a standard fitting of the Home of Jump racing.”

The History of The Cheltenham Festival

The first organised Flat race meeting in Cheltenham took place in 1815 on Nottingham Hill, with the first races on Cleeve Hill in August 1818. Racing’s popularity soared over the next decade with crowds of 30,000 visiting the racecourse for its annual two day July meeting featuring the Gold Cup, a 3m flat race.

In 1829, Cheltenham’s Parish Priest, Reverend Francis Close, preached the evils of horseracing and aroused such strong feeling amongst his congregation that the race meeting in 1830 was disrupted. Before the following year’s meeting the grandstand was burnt to the ground!

To overcome this violent opposition the racecourse was moved to Prestbury Park, its current venue, in 1831. Steeplechasing became established in nearby Andoversford from 1834 and moved to the present course in 1898.

In 1964, Racecourse Holdings Trust (now Jockey Club Racecourses) was formed to secure the future of Cheltenham. The group now owns 13 other racecourses – a combination of jump, flat, dual purpose and all weather racecourses. Wholly owned in a trust by The Jockey Club, the racecourses reinvest all profits into the 14 racecourses to ensure the continued success and development of British horseracing.

The changing face of Cheltenham Racecourse 1950s

The stands changed little between the 1930s and 1950s when the National Hunt Steeplechase course ran behind the back of the stands.

1960s and 1970s

The original Tattersalls Grandstand was opened in 1960 to cope with growing crowds. The Weighing Room was underneath the Festival Restaurant and the Winners Enclosure above the Parade Ring. During this period the centre of the racecourse was developed and became a popular raceday enclosure.

1980s

The main Grandstand was completed in 1979 and extended twice in the 1980s. The top two levels were dedicated entirely to Private Hospitality, and in 1982 the Parade Ring, Weighing Room and Hurdlers Hall were built behind the stands with terraced viewing for 4,000.

1990s

The new stables complex was opened in 1990 adjacent to Hunters Lodge, our stable staff hotel built three years earlier to sleep 124. The Pre-Parade Ring was used for the first time in 1992 and Hall of Fame Entrance officially opened in 1993.

The Cross Country Course was introduced in 1995 and is now raced on three times each season, including The Festival. The race weaves around the centre of the course with natural obstacles including hedges, banks and ditches. In 1997, the original Tattersalls Grandstand was knocked down and replaced with tiered viewing and the Panoramic Restaurant which boasts spectacular views across the racecourse.

The Millennium

During 2003-2004, £3m was invested in the Best Mate Enclosure in the centre of the racecourse, giving a new grandstand and arguably one of the best views of racing. During the same period, £17m was invested in providing additional raceday facilities with The Centaur, a new conference and events centre. Accommodating up to 4,000 visitors, The Centaur is the biggest venue of its kind between Birmingham and Bournemouth. In 2005, The Festival was successfully extended to four days.

Investing in the future

The racecourse employs more than 80 permanent staff, which rises to approximately 1,000 for a race meeting and more than 5,000 at The Festival. The Festival is worth an estimated £100m to the local economy and hosts the largest tented village of any kind at a sporting event. Prize money at Cheltenham exceeds £6m throughout the season with £4.1m on offer at The Festival alone, making it the most valuable and prestigious fixture in Jump racing.

The racecourse is also home to many other organizations and businesses including Cotswold RDA, Cheltenham Archery and Clubs for Angling and Model Aircraft. Throughout the year we welcome over 700,000 visitors to the racecourse and hope that every visitor – horse or human – enjoy their visit and will be back soon.

About The Jockey Club

Cheltenham racecourse is part of the The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British horse racing. With a 266-year heritage at the heart of British racing and governed by Royal Charter, The Jockey Club invests all profits back into the UK’s second biggest spectator sport.

The Jockey Club owns 14 leading racecourses, including Aintree, home of the Randox Health Grand National; Cheltenham, stage for the prestigious Cheltenham Festival; Epsom Downs, home to the Investec Derby; and Newmarket’s Rowley Mile and July Course, considered Flat racing’s global HQ.

Other parts of its Group include Jockey Club Estates which operates the famous training grounds at Newmarket and Lambourn; The National Stud, its Thoroughbred breeding, boarding and education arm; and charity, Racing Welfare, which offers help to all racing’s people in need.

The Jockey Club is also the largest shareholder in QIPCO British Champions Series, which aims to throw the spotlight on the very best races in the UK Flat season, and climaxes with QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October each year.

It is also the largest shareholder in media company, Racecourse Media Group, which includes satellite TV channel, Racing UK, online service, RacingUK.com and betting shop TV service, TurfTV.

Cheltenham Racecourse Committee:

CHAIRMAN

Robert Waley-Cohen – Robert took over as Chairman from Lord Vestey after The Festival in 2011 when his horse Long Run won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Robert has owned four other Festival winners and five winners over the Grand National fences. Robert has been on the committee of the TBA National Hunt Committee since 2006 and Chairman since 2010. He has been a member of the BHA Jump Race Committee since 2010. Robert served as a Steward of The Jockey Club from 1995 to 2000, the last three years as Deputy Senior Steward and was Chairman of the Point-to-Point Authority from 2005 to 2011.

COMMITTEE

Rupert Sweeting – Rupert was a successful amateur jockey and continues to steward at Aintree, Ascot, Newbury, Towcester, Warwick and Windsor. He is on the Licensing Committee of the BHA. He has three broodmares and a filly in training with David Pipe. He is a proprietary partner of Knight Frank heading up the Country Department and is a director of Heritage Diversified Investments PCC Ltd.

Alice Fox-Pitt – After starting out as a runner on Festival Radio, Alice, née Alice Plunkett, moved on to having her own show there, at the Derby and Royal Ascot. She then did a screen test for the Racing Channel and worked there until the broadcaster closed, then becoming a host on At the Races before moving across to Racing UK on its inception. Her role on Channel 4 Racing began with the Lunchtime Show and she was brought into the main team in 2001. She now fronts all the Jump racing action for Channel 4 and from 2017 ITV Racing. She is the only woman to have ridden around both Aintree and Badminton Horse Trials. She represented Great Britain at the European Three-Day Event Championships under 21 and, as an amateur rider, partnered winners over hurdles, point-to-points and charity Flat races.Plunkett is married to eventer William Fox-Pitt and they live in Dorset with their four children.

William Rucker – William is Chief Executive of Lazard in London. He is also Chairman of Crest Nicholson Holdings plc and Quintain Estates & Development plc. He has many horses in training with Evan Williams and his horses have finished in the top four in six runnings of the Grand National, with familiar names such as Cappa Bleu and State Of Play, the latter of which also won the 2006 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. He also has horses in training with Fergal O’Brien and with Sir Mark Prescott on the Flat.

William Vestey – William has grown up with Cheltenham Racecourse as a big part of his life, as his father Lord Vestey was Chairman for over two decades. He is Lord Vestey’s elder son and is Associate Director for the family business, Vestey Group. William has horses in training with Jeremy Noseda, Nicky Henderson and Charlie Longsdon.

Sir Richard Stagg KCMG – Sir Richard joined the Cheltenham Racecourse Committee at the start of the 2015/16 season. He had recently retired from the Foreign Office, having been High Commissioner to India from 2007 until 2011 and after that was Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2012 until 2015. He is Chairman of Rothschild India. He has owned a number of racehorses in the past and has a varied background in racing from sponsoring pony racing on the ice in Bulgaria; to presenting the Queen’s Cup at Calcutta Races.

Group G

Group H

The Fifa World Cup 2018 will take place between June 14th - July 15th in Russia.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, after the country was awarded the hosting rights on 2 December 2010. This will be the first World Cup held in Europe since the 2006 tournament in Germany; all but one of the stadium venues are in European Russia, west of the Ural Mountains to keep travel time manageable.

The final tournament will involve 32 national teams, which include 31 teams determined through qualifying competitions and the automatically qualified host team. Of the 32 teams, 20 will be making back-to-back appearances following the last tournament in 2014, including defending champions Germany, while Iceland and Panama will both be making their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities. The final will take place on 15 July at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

World Cup 2018 guide | bets, odds & information

Group A

Russia

Stanislav Cherchesov became the manager after disappointing performances at Euro 2016 and the former goalkeeper has changed a lot, mainly in defence where he has brought in the youngsters Viktor Vasin (CSKA), Fedor Kudryashov (Rubin Kazan) and Georgi Dzhikiya (Spartak Moscow) to replace Sergei Ignashevich and Vasily Berezutski. He also plays three at the back instead of four. The biggest talking point has been the exclusion of Igor Denisov, who is arguably the best defensive midfielder but fell out with Cherchesov at Dynamo Moscow. Russia’s attack is impressive. Alan Dzagoev is still going strong and the strikers Fyodor Smolov and Aleksandr Kokorin scored a lot of goals in 2017. Special attention should be paid to the twins Aleksei and Anton Miranchuk from Lokomotiv Moscow and Aleksandr Golovin from CSKA. They are young technical midfielders who could have their breakthroughs at the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia may be the lowest-ranked qualifiers but there is never a dull moment when the Green Falcons are around. Few managers last more than a year in the hottest of hot seats but Bert van Marwijk was in charge for two and led the team to a first World Cup since 2006. It was not always pretty but the side took maximum points from the weakest teams and did enough against Japan and Australia to squeeze into the second automatic spot. Days later Van Marwijk was heading home after a disagreement with the Saudi FA, replaced by Edgardo Bauza. The Argentinian lasted two months and five friendlies before getting the boot. Three days before the draw in Moscow, Juan Antonio Pizzi – who led Chile to the 2016 Copa América but could not take them to Russia – was appointed. His squad has some talent but lack international experience.

How they qualified Second in Asian Group B (round three) behind Japan Preferred system 4-3-3 (in qualification though new coach may change) Star Player Nawaf Al Abed (Al-Hilal) One to watch Fahad Al-Muwallad (Al-Ittihad) Manager Juan Antonio Pizzi Odds 1,000-1

Egypt

Happy to sit back and defend, Egypt are difficult to break down. Only once (in 30 games) have the Pharaohs conceded more than one goal under Hector Cúper. But despite taking Egypt to the Afcon final and a 63% win rate, the Argentinian has been criticised for his defensive style. Egypt’s squad are a mixture of youth and experience, with the goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary set to become the oldest player at a World Cup at 45. In front of him Egypt have the solid defensive partnership of Rami Rabia and West Brom’s Ahmed Hegazi. The midfield is built around Mohamed Elneny and Al Ahly’s Abdallah Said, who at 32 will bring a creative spark. Egypt hope Mohamed Salah’s fine form continues and on the other wing can choose from Ramadan Sobhi, Kahraba and Mahmoud Hassan “Trézéguet”, one to watch for his direct runs into the box.

Uruguay

Óscar Tabárez’s team went through qualifying with unusual serenity. After four consecutive World Cup play-offs they finished second behind Brazil to qualify in style. Now, though, he has a big decision to make: will he continue to rely on the attacking approach that has served him so well or make changes? The answer seems to lie in the changing of the guard in midfield. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, on loan at Deportivo La Coruña), Matías Vecino, (Internazionale), Nahitan Nández (Boca Juniors) and Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus) are young and attack-minded players who have earned a place in the team, leading to this increased focus on attack. However, the November friendlies ended with a 0-0 draw against Poland and a 2-1 defeat against Austria, so expect some tinkering before the World Cup.

How they qualified Second in the South American section behind Brazil Preferred system 4-4-2 Star player Luis Suárez (Barcelona) One to watch Federico Valverde (Deportivo La Coruña, on loan from Real Madrid) Manager Óscar Tabárez Odds 40-1

Luis Suárez is set to form a formidable striking partnership with Edinson Cavani in Russia.

Group B

Portugal

“Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany and France are the favourites to win the World Cup,” says the Portugal coach, Fernando Santos, before adding: “Then we have other candidates, who want to get as far as possible, and win the tournament if possible, and Portugal are in this second group.” Santos is cautious, despite winning Euro 2016 but he is looking forward to the World Cup with optimism and does so with good reason: Portugal seem stronger now than a year and a half ago, having added creativity to the defensive organisation that underpinned the 2016 title. Bernardo Silva and André Silva have been important factors in this attacking upgrade and in general the team have more depth. The one area which is perhaps weaker is the defence, where it has been hard to find replacements for Pepe (who will be 35 next summer), José Fonte (34) and Bruno Alves (36).

How they qualified Winners of European Group B ahead of Switzerland Preferred system 4-4-2 Star player Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) One to watch Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) Manager Fernando Santos Odds 20-1

Portugal are arguably a stronger side now than the team who won Euro 2016.

Spain

La Roja are still La Roja and crashing out at the group stage in Brazil 2014 and the disappointment of France 2016 were not at all cathartic in the end. At the age of 51, and without much experience as a coach at elite level, Julen Lopetegui has managed to conserve the essence of what made Spain so successful. The backbone of the team who qualified brilliantly for Russia 2018 are the same as those who failed in France a year and a half ago. Eight of the team who lost against Italy in Paris would start in Russia if the World Cup started now: David De Gea, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, David Silva and Álvaro Morata. In addition, the wonderful Isco has found his feet with the senior squad, as have several of the under-21s who won the Euros with Spain and Lopetegui in 2013.

How they qualified Winners of European Group G ahead of Italy Preferred system 4-5-1 Star player David Silva (Manchester City) One to watch Isco (Real Madrid) Manager Julen Lopetegui Odds 15-2

Morocco

The Atlas Lions are roaring again. Twenty years after a heartbreaking elimination from the group stage at France ’98, the first African team to reach the last 16 are back at the World Cup. Morocco, the only African team to qualify for Russia without conceding a goal, have built their game on solid defence and hard work. The experience of Karim El Ahmadi, M’barek Boussoufa and Juventus’s Mehdi Benatia fits well with the intelligence of Hakim Ziyech and the strength of Nordin Amrabat. Hervé Renard is in charge but the advice coming from one of his assistants, Patrice Beaumelle, is vital. The former Coventry City midfielder Mustapha Hadji is also key in the setup, sharing his experiences and acting as a role model for this generation. The team’s main weakness used to be on the left but Real Madrid’s Achraf Hakimi has filled the gap admirably since September.

Iran

Team Melli are playing in a second successive World Cup for the first time. Carlos Queiroz’s men were the first Asian side to qualify for this tournament and did so with 12 consecutive clean sheets. The main aspect of Queiroz’s tactics is “reactive football” with a deep-lying defence and quick counterattacks. However, in recent friendlies against Russia, Panama and Venezuela, Iran played with a different tactic, pressing higher up the pitch and adopting a more aggressive approach. Queiroz, despite a temper and petulance that has caused many seemingly pointless controversies in recent years, is very popular in Iran because of the results and performances. Many believe he has given a real character to the national team. Iran have many Europe-based players this season and Queiroz tends to select those who play outside their homeland.

How they qualified Winners of Asian Group A (round three) ahead of South Korea Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan) One to watchSaman Ghoddos (Ostersund) Manager Carlos Queiroz Odds 1000-1

Group C

France

“We are not at the same level as Germany, Spain and Brazil – yet,” says Didier Deschamps. “We may not control all our games with the same authority but still, we have a strong and competitive team with a great potential.” France blew hot and cold in qualifying, winning their group despite losing to Sweden and drawing against Belarus and Luxembourg. Deschamps has a thrilling and explosive attack of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé (if fit). There is a strong midfield built around Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kanté, lots of technical ability all around with such as Thomas Lemar and a sound defensive axis. Still, France appear more effective when playing on the break and using their speed. The weakest link? The left-back position if Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy does not recover from his knee injury.

How they qualified Winners of European Group A ahead of Sweden Preferred system 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 Star player Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid) One to watch Kylian Mbappé (Paris St-Germain) Manager Didier Deschamps Odds 11-2

Antoine Griezmann wheels away after scoring against Wales during a friendly in November.

Australia

The 31st team to qualify worked harder than anyone else, with around 250,000km travelled and trips to far-flung destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Iran, Japan, Malaysia and Honduras. The Socceroos’ place in Russia is secure but the identity of the manager who will lead them there remains a mystery after Ange Postecoglou quit following the play-off win over Honduras in November. As such, Australia present something of a challenge for opponents scouting them, and uncertainty hangs over whether Postecoglou’s preferred – and controversial – 3-2-4-1 will be retained, as well as over the names that will fill those starting slots. There is still an over-reliance on Tim Cahill – who will be 38 this month – for goals but with Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Massimo Luongo, there is talent elsewhere; how to get the best out of them and their team-mates will depend on who takes the job.

How they qualified Third in Asian Group B (round three) behind Japan and Saudi Arabia, then play-off wins against Syria and Honduras Preferred system 3-4-1-2 (but that may change when the new manager is appointed) Star player Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town) One to watch Mathew Leckie (Hertha Berlin) Managernone Odds 300-1

Peru

Peru are back at the World Cup after 36 years, having gone back to their roots. Ricardo Gareca has brought in new, young players and reintroduced a style that had been lost for some time. Short passes and possession are part of the football DNA of Peru again – with excellent results. They are a young side who have responded to tougher discipline with increased commitment. The spine is made up of a very confident goalkeeper in Pedro Gallese; the skilful leader Alberto Rodríguez in defence; the physical and intelligent Yoshimar Yotún, who runs the midfield; and Jefferson Farfán and Paolo Guerrero up front. The wing-backs Aldo Corzo and Miguel Trauco are tactically astute and important. For a bit of inspiration to unlock opposing defences, there is the talented Christian Cueva.

How they qualified Fifth in South American section, then play-off win over New Zealand Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player Jefferson Farfán (Lokomotiv Moscow) One to watch Christian Cueva (São Paulo) Manager Ricardo Gareca Odds150-1

Denmark

Not only did a World Cup qualifying campaign end successfully for the first time since 2009 but the public fell back in love with the team. Denmark crushed Poland 4-0 and the Republic of Ireland 5-1 in the space of two months in the autumn, with Christian Eriksen reaching a Michael Laudrup-level of play, scoring 11 goals in 12 matches. “The World Cup deserves a star like him,” says the coach, Age Hareide. “We will be a danger to all teams because of him.” Denmark will continue with the direct style of play that Hareide turned to in the autumn, an approach that suited the box-to-box midfielder Thomas Delaney, who was the second-highest scorer for Denmark in qualifying. Up front Nicolai Jorgensen, Andreas Cornelius and Nicklas Bendtner fight for one place, while in central defence Brentford’s Andreas Bjelland and the captain Simon Kjær are picked ahead of Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen.

How they qualified Second in European Group E behind Poland, then play-off win against Republic of Ireland Preferred system 4-3-3 Star player Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur) One to watch Thomas Delaney (Werder Bremen) ManagerAge Hareide Odds 80-1

Group D

Argentina

Argentina made it in the end and it will be a farewell party for a lot of senior players. Sergio Romero, Ángel Di María, Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín, Lucas Biglia and Éver Banega, among others, are almost certainly about to play in their final tournament. For Lionel Messi – the captain and main reason they reached Russia – it is also pretty much a case of now or never. With that in mind, Jorge Sampaoli is likely to go on the attack in his attempt to secure Argentina’s first World Cup since 1986. The team were unreliable in qualifying and it is up to Sampaoli to make them stronger in defence. Gabriel Mercado, Javier Mascherano and Nicolás Otamendi are likely to occupy the spots in the back three, with Biglia and Enzo Pérez expected to take the central midfield places.

How they qualified Third in South American section behind Brazil and Uruguay Preferred system 3-4-3 Star player Lionel Messi (Barcelona) One to watch Paulo Dybala (Juventus) Manager Jorge Sampaoli Odds 8-1

Iceland

Will supporters from the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup be able to support their team in Russia in the way they did in France? Almost 10% of the nation travelled to Euro 2016 and there could be similar levels next summer but Moscow and Saint Petersburg are obviously easier to reach than Ekaterinburg and Volgograd. Iceland had to overcome a series of problems to qualify: the loss of their main striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to injury, Lars Lagerback’s departure and a draw that placed them with three teams who reached Euro 2016. However, they won their group and Heimir Hallgrimsson, who is now in sole charge, has shown more tactical flexibility than Lagerback did. Iceland still mainly play 4-4-2 but Hallgrimsson changes this to a 4-5-1 in certain games, to good effect. Apart from Sigthorsson, everybody from the starting lineup in France is expected to be in Russia.

How they qualified Winners of European Group I ahead of Croatia Preferred system 4-4-2 Star player Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton) One to watch Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson (Bristol City) Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson

Croatia

a’s results became progressively worse during the qualifiers before, as usual, the manager was fired. The new man in charge, Zlatko Dalic, was appointed two days before the final – and decisive – group game but it was enough for a triumph of improvisation in Kiev, and then Croatia disposed of Greece with authority in the play-offs. Luka Modric is 32 and most of the other likely starters will be 29 or older – and the tournament may well be the last realistic shot at something big for this extraordinary generation, the best Croatia has had since the 1998 bronze-winning team. But the perennial dark horses have been caught in a web of internal divides involving key national federation men, the fans, the media and politics, decimating their support at home and making it difficult for them to focus.

How they qualified Second in European Group I behind Iceland, then play-off win against Greece Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player Luka Modric (Real Madrid) One to watch Nikola Vlasic (Everton) Manager Zlatko Dalic Odds 25-1

Croatia’s form got progressively worse during the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria

Placed in a group with Algeria, Cameroon and the 2012 African champions Zambia, the Super Eagles qualified with a game to spare. The comeback victory over Argentina in a recent friendly in Russia further fed optimism regarding what the team can achieve under Gernot Rohr. The German manager has radically improved the side, infusing the freshness of youth into a team who failed to qualify for two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments before his appointment. Since he took over last year, the former Bordeaux manager has lost one game and knitted together a ruthless counterattacking side who feature the outstanding Alex Iwobi and with Chelsea’s wing-back Victor Moses playing as a dynamic, talismanic winger. The team are based on a sturdy defence, with energetic ball-winners at the base of midfield and the calming presence of Mikel John Obi to funnel balls to the attack.

Group E

Brazil

Tite has not had 20 games in charge but Brazil’s transformation from a rudderless wreck to World Cup contenders has been astonishing. Tite has implemented a 4-1-4-1 and carefully navigated the lack of club playing time for some of his players. He has accommodated Neymar on the left, Casemiro in front of the backline, Gabriel Jesus in the centre of attack and has got the best from the full-backs Dani Alves and Marcelo. Renato Augusto is another performing at his peak, and Paulinho, one of Tite’s favourite players, has managed the transformation from the Chinese league to Barcelona remarkably well. The process has risks attached to it, too. Apart from the regulars in the starting XI there is not much depth – Willian and Roberto Firmino aside, Tite does not seem to have faith in many other players.

How they qualified Winners of the South American section ahead of Uruguay Preferred system 4-1-4-1 Star player Neymar (Paris St-Germain) One to watch Paulinho (Barcelona) Manager Tite Odds 5-1

Brazil line up to face England at Wembley in November.

Switzerland

People in Switzerland expect their team to reach major finals these days so there was no euphoria when the place in Russia was booked. The expectation is for Vladimir Petkovic’s squad to reach at least the last 16. “My team has a got an excellent team spirit and have a tremendous will to succeed,” says Petkovic. Granit Xhaka is at the heart, dictating the pace of the game. With creative and quick players such as Xherdan Shaqiri and Steven Zuber, Switzerland are always capable of creating something on the flanks, especially as the wingers have strong full-backs behind them in Juventus’s Stephan Lichtsteiner, right, and Milan’s Ricardo Rodríguez, left. With Fabian Schär and young Manuel Akanji there is also a solid central defence to lean on. The weakest part of the team is the centre-forward position, which is almost always occupied by Haris Seferović.

How they qualified Second in European Group B behind Portugal, then play-off win against Northern Ireland Preferred system 4-5-1 Star player Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) One to watch Denis Zakaria (Borussia Mönchengladbach) ManagerVladimir Petkovic Odds 66-1

Costa Rica

Costa Rica were a sensation four years ago, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, and face the challenge of emulating that. The coach then, Jorge Luis Pinto, has been replaced by Óscar Ramírez and his team showed in qualifying they are the Concacaf team to beat, qualifying with two games to spare. Ramírez has continued to deploy the 5-4-1 that served Pinto so well. It asks a lot of Bryan Ruiz and Celso Borges; Ruiz is the main reference in attack and Borges gives balance in midfield. Keylor Navas is the star, with Marco Ureña, who plays for San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS, adding pace to the attack. Costa Rica may struggle to repeat a place in the last eight but they have the quality to reach the knockout phase.

Serbia

Serbia qualified for their first major tournament for seven years in comprehensive fashion. With only one defeat in 10 matches, they pipped the Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales and Republic of Ireland to first place in their group, but that was not enough for Slavoljub Muslin to keep his job. The 64-year-old’s conflict with the president of the Serbian FA, Slavisa Kokeza, over the style of play and squad selection – with the star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at the epicentre – resulted in Muslin being fired. Mladen Krstajic took over as caretaker and immediately brought Milinkovic-Savic into the team for the November friendlies. The Lazio man repaid the faith with superb performances and an assist, sending a message that he could be trusted to lead a star-studded but ageing Serbia side.

How they qualified Winners of Euopean Group D ahead of Republic of IrelandPreferred system 3-4-3 Star player Nemanja Matic (Manchester United) One to Watch Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio) Manager Mladen Krstajic (caretaker)

Group F

Germany

After Germany lost to France in the Euro 2016 semi-final plenty predicted the Joachim Löw era was slowly coming to an end. However, the team bounced back impressively and qualified for the World Cup with a perfect 10 wins out of 10 while scoring a joint European-record 43 goals. Die Mannschaft have not lost since that defeat against France and, rather frighteningly for their rivals, won the Confederations Cup in the summer without all of these missing players: Jérôme Boateng, Mats Hummels, Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Mesut Özil, Thomas Müller, Mario Götze, Ilkay Gündogan, Marco Reus, Sami Khedira and Leroy Sané. New players (such as Timo Werner, Lars Stindl and – above all – Leon Goretzka) have staked their claim, meaning competition for places in the World Cup squad will be immense. Goretzka’s impressive displays for Schalke should see Löw pick him ahead of Khedira in central midfield.

How they qualified Winners of European Group C ahead of Northern Ireland Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) One to watch Leon Goretzka (Schalke) Manager Joachim Löw Odds 5-1

Mexico

The team had no problem reaching the World Cup but Juan Carlos Osorio is still being questioned, because in more demanding fixtures, such as against Chile in the Copa América Centenario and Germany in the Confederations Cup, El Trilooked lost, being beaten 7-0 and 4-1 respectively. However, some of the players are in their prime. Guillermo Ochoa, Andrés Guardado, Héctor Moreno, Héctor Herrera and Javier Hernández have at least five years of experience in Europe and this could be the difference for Mexico to finally make it to a fifth game at the World Cup. Osorio’s system has been changing of late. When the Colombian took over he always used a 4-3-3 but in two recent friendlies he played with two midfield enforcers, something he may repeat (along with a five-man defence) in Russia.

Sweden

Euro 2016 saw the end of the Zlatan Ibrahimovic era as well as that of the manager Erik Hamren. The new Sweden team, under Janne Andersson, are extremely hardworking and disciplined. The 4-4-2 and tactics are reminiscent of the successful period from Lars Lagerback’s days in the early 2000s – but with players from more anonymous clubs. The stars of the Lagerback-era played for teams such as Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona – today they represent clubs in Denmark, Greece, Russia, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates (apart from Emil Forsberg at RB Leipzig and Victor Lindelof at Manchester United). The play-off win against Italy was deserved and the big talking point now is whether Ibrahimovic will come out of international retirement for the World Cup. If so, will he fit in the collective Andersson has created?

How they qualified Second in European Group A behind France, then play-off win against Italy Preferred system 4-4-2 Star player Emil Forsberg (RB Leipzig) One to watch Viktor Claesson (Krasnodar) Manager Janne Andersson Odds 80-1

Emil Forsberg has starred for club and country throughout 2017, including against Italy in the play-offs to reach Russia.

South Korea

They struggled throughout the qualifiers through being anemic in attack and defence and narrowly qualified after a poor run which resulted in the firing of Uli Stielike. Shin Tae-yong, who was the manager of the under-23s and under-20s, is not a master tactician but he is a good motivator. Only a few people in South Korea have high expectations and, surprisingly, most fans are waiting for the return of the former coach Guus Hiddink. With a team lacking world-class talent, the manager has to depend on two standout players: Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur and Ki Sung-yueng from Swansea City. Shin often plays a 4-4-2 but seems obsessed with a fluid back-three system so it is not clear how South Korea will play.

How they qualified Second in Asian Group A behind Iran (round three) Preferred system 4-4-2 Star player Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) One to watch Kwon Chang-hoon (Dijon) Manager Shin Tae-yong Odds 500-1

Group G

Belgium

Belgium broke all sorts of records in qualifying: they were unbeaten, they got 28 points from 10 games, they scored 43 goals and Romelu Lukaku became the country’s record goalscorer. However, the last two friendlies, and especially the 3-3 draw against Mexico, have left fans, pundits and players worried. True, Belgium were without Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Kompany against Mexico but the replacements could not fill the void. Kevin De Bruyne, for one, did not hold back. “Mexico were just better tactically,” he said. “Their system made our five defenders sit deep and we were up against it in midfield – it was five against seven. If we don’t have a good tactical system, we will have difficulties against countries like Mexico. It’s a pity that we have not found a solution yet.” The main problem is that, after two years with Roberto Martínez, there is still no real defensive organisation.

How they qualified Winners of European Group H ahead of Greece Preferred system 3-4-2-1 Star player Eden Hazard (Chelsea) One to watch Thomas Meunier (Paris St-Germain) Manager Roberto Martínez Odds 12-1

Panama

“We’ll go to the World Cup to learn and compete. It’s an experience to enjoy,” said Hernán Darío Gómez, and he should know: the Colombian has led four teams at World Cup finals. His experience has been crucial in turning a mature squad who had performed well at age-group levels into the country’s first qualification. That feat owed much to the defensive colossus Román Torres, who scored the goal that took them to Russia, and the midfielder Gabriel Gómez, the brains of the operation. It is a team built on solidity, discipline and hitting on the break. Alberto Quintero’s creativity is the key source of chances for Gabriel Torres and Blas Pérez, the most-used forward pairing. Fidel Escobar, Michael Murillo (both of New York Red Bulls) and Deportivo La Coruña’s Ismael Díaz add youthful endeavour.

Tunisia

After a 12-year absence Tunisia are back at a World Cup but their path was not entirely straight. They sacked Henryk Kasperczak soon after losing in the last eight of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Nabil Maâloul was appointed in April and steered the country to the World Cup, mainly using a 4-2-3-1. The full-backs are encouraged to attack and on the left Ali Maâloul of Al Ahly is key because of how much he contributes going forward. The midfield are dominated by two hard-working ball-winners in Ferjani Sassi and Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, with the MKN trio of Youssef Msakni, Wahbi Khazri and Naïm Sliti adding flair. Msakni, who plays in Qatar, is a tremendous talent and often carries the team. The manager sometimes switches to 4-3-2-1, especially against attacking teams, incorporating the defensive midfilder Ghailene Chaalali instead of Khazri or Sliti.

How they qualified Winners of African Group A (round three) Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player Youssef Msakni (Al-Duhail) One to watch Naïm Sliti (Dijon, on loan from Lille) Manager Nabil Maâloul Odds 400-1

England

The most amazing statistic about England is that they have not lost a qualifying match for any major competition since October 2009. It is an incredible run, covering 39 games, with three different managers in place since the team, then led by Fabio Capello, went down 1-0 to Ukraine. Gareth Southgate has certainly had an eventful year since being promoted from his role as the manager of England’s under-21s. Southgate has moved out Wayne Rooney and overseen a period of change that now has England operating with a younger, more experimental team in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Yet there are lingering questions about whether they have improved since the ordeal of being eliminated by Iceland at Euro 2016. England fans even staged a walkout at the qualifying match in Malta.

How they qualified Winners of European Group F ahead of Slovakia Preferred system 3-4-2-1 Star player Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) One to watch Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) Manager Gareth Southgate Odds 16-1

England’s squad has been revamped by Gareth Southgate since the Euro 2016 debacle, with Daniel Sturridge among those unlikely to travel to Russia.

Group H

Poland

Adam Nawalka’s side always looked certain of qualifying and won eight of their 10 games. The captain, Robert Lewandowski, hit a record-breaking 16 goals and his leadership was crucial as Poland returned to the biggest stage after a 12-year absence but they are not a one-man team: other players also contributed heavily to ensure that Poland ended up in pot one for the draw. The defence is a concern (Poland conceded 14 goals – the most of all groups winners) but Nawalka is capable of sorting it out with Poland having the second-best defence at Euro 2016 until the quarter-finals. He has six months to fine-tune his plans, which include working on a formation with three central defenders. Poland have a strong backbone of Wojciech Szczesny-Kamil Glik-Grzegorz Krychowiak-Robert Lewandowski with Hull City’s Kamil Grosicki another key player with his pace on the left flank.

How they qualified Winners of European Group E ahead of Denmark Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) One to watchPiotr Zielinski (Napoli) Manager Adam Nawalka Odds 40-1

Senegal

This will be Senegal’s second World Cup finals after Aliou Cissé, who was the captain of the 2002 side under the late Bruno Metsu, guided his team through a difficult qualification group containing Burkina Faso, South Africa and Cape Verde. Cissé has moulded a team strong in all areas. The addition of M’Baye Niang to a forward line who include Keita Baldé of Monaco and Liverpool’s Sadio Mané has allowed Cissé to play 4-3-3, although in the crucial victory over South Africa West Ham’s Diafra Sakho started in a 4-4-2. Much will be expected of Mané, who has been the star man for several years and has been compared to El Hadji Diouf, the talisman for the 2002 side. His injury problems have slowed down a brilliant start to life at Liverpool and he will need to be at his best in Russia.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mané will be Senegal’s main goal threat at their second World Cup.

Colombia

Colombia will aim to repeat their performance from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when they reached the quarter-finals but it will be harder as they are not among the top seeds. That is an indication of the fact qualifying was not straightforward. “Qualifying was really hard,” says the coach, José Pékerman. “We’ve never experienced a situation where so few points separated so many teams.” Three factors explain the difficulties Colombia had: the need to inject youth in defence, the lack of playing time for the stars (James Rodríguez at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Radamel Falcao at Monaco and David Ospina at Arsenal) and the lack of options going forward. Pékerman often plays 4-2-3-1 but has tried 4-3-2-1 away from home. Colombia had their best results when they were more defensive and compact between the lines, hitting on the counter with speed and very few passes.

How they qualified Fourth in the South American section behind Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina Preferred system 4-2-3-1 Star player James Rodríguez (Bayern Munich, on loan from Real Madrid) One to watch Davinson Sánchez (Tottenham Hotpsur) Manager José Pékerman Odds 50-1

Japan

Japan have traditionally preferred a possession-based style but Vahid Halilhodzic demands his side look to play on the counter. His drastic reforms have seen Japan’s two biggest stars, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, dropped from the squad as they failed to fit into this philosophy – or, in other words, preferred Japan’s traditional approach. There is also no room for Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City, because Halilhodzic opts for a lone forward capable of holding up the play. These choices, and the manager’s overall style, have been the subject of fierce debate in Japan. Halilhodzic has vast experience of international football and took Ivory Coast to the 2010 World Cup (although he was dismissed before the tournament) and Algeria to the 2014 tournament.

Matches:

History of FIFA

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in the rear of the headquarters of the Union Française de Sports Athlétiques at the Rue Saint Honoré 229 in Paris on 21 May 1904. The foundation act was signed by the authorised representatives of the following associations:

Present at that historic meeting were: Robert Guérin and André Espir (France); Louis Muhlinghaus and Max Kahn (Belgium); Ludvig Sylow (Denmark); Carl Anton Wilhelm Hirschman (Netherlands); Victor E Schneider (Switzerland). Sylow also represented the SBF while Spir performed the same function for the Madrid Football Club.

France - Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques (USFSA)

Belgium - Union Belge des Sociétés de Sports (UBSSA)

Denmark - Dansk Boldspil Union (DBU)

Netherlands - Nederlandsche Voetbal Bond (NVB)

Spain - Madrid Football Club

Sweden - Svenska Bollspells Förbundet (SBF)

Switzerland - Association Suisse de Football (ASF)

When the idea of founding an international football federation began taking shape in Europe, the intention of those involved was to recognise the role of the English who had founded their Football Association back in 1863. Hirschman, secretary of the Netherlands Football Association, turned to the Football Association. Its secretary, FJ Wall, did accept the proposal but progress stalled while waiting for the Executive Committee of the Football Association, the International FA Board and the associations of Scotland, Wales and Ireland to give their opinion about the matter.

Guérin, secretary of the football department of the Union des Sociétés Françaises de Sports Athlétiques and a journalist with Le Matin newspaper, did not want to wait any longer. He contacted the national associations on the continent in writing and asked them to consider the possibility of founding an umbrella organisation.

When Belgium and France met in the first official international match in Brussels on 1 May 1904, Guérin discussed the subject with his Belgian counterpart Louis Muhlinghaus. It was now definite that the English FA, under its president Lord Kinnaird, would not be participating in the foundation of an international federation. So Guérin took the opportunity and sent out invitations to the founding assembly. The process of organising the international game had begun.

The first FIFA Statutes were laid down and the following points determined: the reciprocal and exclusive recognition of the national associations represented and attending; clubs and players were forbidden to play simultaneously for different national associations; recognition by the other associations of a player's suspension announced by an association; and the playing of matches according to the Laws of the Game of the Football Association Ltd.

Each national association had to pay an annual fee of FF50. Already then there were thoughts of staging an international competition and Article 9 stipulated that FIFA alone was entitled to take over the organisation of such an event. It was decided that these regulations would only come into force as of 1 September 1904. Moreover, the first Statutes of FIFA were only of a provisional nature, in order to simplify the acceptance of additional members. On the day of foundation, the Deutscher Fussball-Bund (German FA) sent a telegram confirming that it would adhere to these Statutes in principle.

The first FIFA Congress followed immediately and on 22 May 1904, Robert Guerin was elected as President. Victor E Schneider (Switzerland) and Carl Anton Wilhelm Hirschman (Netherlands) were made Vice-Presidents. Louis Muhlinghaus (Belgium) was appointed Secretary and Treasurer, with the assistance of Ludvig Sylow (Denmark). These pioneers were faced with an immense task because FIFA only existed on paper, as it were. Now came the real work: to give this new body shape and attract new members. In the first place, the English had to be convinced that their membership of this newly created organisation was indispensable.

On 14 April 1905, the Executive Committee of the FA recognised the national associations affiliated to FIFA and joined. This was FlFA's first big success and the credit was due Baron Edouard de Laveleye. With great personal effort, the president of the Union Belge des Sociétés de Sports Athlétiques dissipated the last misgivings of the English. The Baron became the first honorary member of FIFA.

The second FIFA Congress took place in Paris from 10 to 12 June 1905. In the meantime, the associations from Germany, Austria, Italy and Hungary had joined FIFA; Scotland, Wales and Ireland would follow England's example. There was already talk about an international competition to take place in 1906. It would consist of four groups and Switzerland would be in charge of organising the semi-finals and the final. There was a proposal to involve the best club teams and Schneider, the Swiss Vice-President, had already donated a trophy.

The FIFA Executive Committee was elected for a further year but now the difficulties were accumulating. The first international competition was a failure. Various national associations had major worries, with the French governing body divided internally. These difficulties were a heavy burden for the FIFA President who had set about his tasks with so much enthusiasm. Guerin increasingly withdrew from the sport and handed over the administration to Vice-President Schneider and Espir, his personal assistant.

All the same, FIFA could now give a sign of its strength. When the 'English Ramblers', an improvised English football club, wanted to play games on the continent without the authorisation of the FA, FIFA forbade its members from playing against this team. The FA, which like its three fellow British associations now had a good relationship with FIFA, was particularly impressed by this strict and uncompromising stance.

This was in clear evidence at the next Congress in Berne in 1906 where - with Schneider conducting negotiations in the absence of Guérin - Daniel Burley Woolfall, an Englishman, was elected the new President. Woolfall was a pragmatist and had gathered a great deal of experience on the administrative board of the FA. Under his guidance, English and continental football became more united. Moreover, he also led the push for uniformity in the Laws of the Game.

The idea of holding a major international competition was still up in the air and so the FA in England assumed the responsibility for staging a tournament that took place as part of the Olympic Games in London in 1908. Some problems arose in the organisation, which were still unsolved four years later in 1912, when the tournament was played in Stockholm. The new sport was regarded with suspicion at the Olympics and was considered as a show and not a competition. Given the amateur ethos of the Olympics, the problem of professional players also arose - a thorny problem which would be pursued in decades to follow. England won both the 1908 and 1912 tournaments.

The Congress which, in accordance with the Statutes, was to be held in different cities on an annual basis, was always presided over by President Woolfall. The will to impose uniform football rules on an international level always featured at the top of the agenda. This had a positive effect, resulting in the basic rules of the federation, which are still partly valid today and which allowed FIFA to create a solid base and develop clear guidelines.

Under the guidance of the English President, obvious progress was also made in the administration. The first official FIFA bulletin was published. It was agreed to have French as the official language. The application of the Laws of the Game, strictly established according to the English model, became compulsory. A clear definition was made of international matches - national selections and inter-club - and outsiders were forbidden to organise games for lucrative purposes.

FIFA only consisted of European Associations up until 1909. The first members from overseas joined in the following order: South Africa in 1909/10, Argentina and Chile in 1912, United States in 1913. This was the start of FlFA's intercontinental activities. The long path towards full expansion had been sketched out.

The start of World War One caused a major interruption. Who talked then about football and its mission to unite nations? And yet, the ties that had been developed were not fully broken, even if they were only maintained on a small scale. There were some international matches played, albeit organised on neutral territory. However, given the difficulties some members faced in crossing frontiers, there would be no Congress for seven years from 1914.

President Daniel Burley Woolfall died in 1918 and that FIFA did not fade out altogether was down to one man only, Carl Anton Wilhelm Hirschman. He carried out his tasks as honorary secretary from his offices in Amsterdam and carefully kept the organisation alive, maintaining correspondence with his foreign colleagues. This way, he looked after the FIFA Secretariat on his own, and at his own expense.

Hirschman had an incredible capacity for work and dedicated his life to sport in general and football in particular. A former general secretary of the Dutch Football Association, he also helped establish his national Olympic Committee. One of the founders of FIFA, he made contact with all the members at the end of the war, on the initiative of the President of the French Football Association, Jules Rimet. Hirschman actually convened an assembly in Brussels in 1919 but negotiations advanced slowly. After a long, bloody war, wounds had not yet healed. Many delegates, particularly the British, did not yet want to accept yesterday's foes.

A meeting was eventually held in Antwerp in 1920 and a new administrative Board of FIFA was elected on a provisional basis. It comprised the following: Rimet as chairman, Denmark's Louis Oestrup as deputy chairman and Hirschman as honorary secretary. The results of this election were then submitted to all affiliated associations which unanimously gave their approval by mail. This was the last time that such a procedure was employed, as the next Statutes excluded voting by mail or by mandate.

Rimet became FIFA's third President on 1 March 1921 and the game's governing body became the life task of the then 48 year-old Frenchman. He took over a federation that had been shaken by World War One and counted 20 members. The British had left in unison and neither Brazil nor Uruguay were present. Over the 33 years of his presidency, FIFA experienced an incredible upswing - and this in spite of the subsequent horrors of World War Two. One ought to talk about a 'Jules Rimet era' in view of his success in reorganising FIFA and realising the dream of a world championship. On passing on the reins of FIFA in 1954, as he opened the FIFA World Cup ™ in Switzerland, the federation counted 85 members.

Rimet was hardly an unknown. While president of France's Ligue de Football Association, he had participated in the 1914 Congress. The following proposal was ratified on that occasion: "Under the condition that the Olympic Tournament take place in accordance with the Regulations of FIFA, the latter shall recognise this as a world football championship for amateurs." FIFA had underlined its eagerness to assume responsibility for organising the Olympic Football Tournament and in the first years of Rimet's reign, it did just that.

The 1924 Olympic Football Tournament in Paris featured 24 teams and proved a great success. The British stayed away but the Americans were there and a team representing faraway Uruguay showed how football was played in South America, much to the delight of the public. Uruguay's results were astounding: 7-0 against Yugoslavia, 3-0 against the United States, 5-1 against France, 2-1 against the Netherlands. Sixty thousand spectators followed the final between Uruguay and Switzerland, which the South Americans won 3-0. Uruguay had the gold medal - and were celebrated as world champions in Montevideo.

South America's predominance was even more impressive at the Olympics in Amsterdam in 1928. Uruguay retained their gold medal at the expense of their neighbours and final opponents Argentina. It was not long before the teams were facing each in another final... for an even greater prize.

The success of the Olympic Football Tournament intensified FlFA's wish for its own world championship. Questionnaires were sent to the affiliated associations, asking whether they agreed to the organisation of a tournament and under what conditions. A special committee examined the question, with President Jules Rimet the driving force. He was aided by the untiring Secretary of the French Football Federation, Henri Delaunay.

Following a remarkable proposal by the Executive Committee, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam on 28 May 1928 decided to stage a world championship organised by FIFA. Now, the organising country had to be chosen. Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden submitted their candidatures. Right from the start, Uruguay was the favourite and not simply for its Olympic gold medal wins in 1924 and 1928 - the country was celebrating its 100th anniversary of independence in 1930 at great expense.

Moreover, its national association was willing to cover all the costs, including the travel and accommodation of the participating teams. Any possible profit would be shared, while Uruguay would take on the deficit. These arguments were decisive. The FIFA Congress in Barcelona in 1929 assigned Uruguay as first host country of the FIFA World Cup ™. The other candidates had withdrawn.

With Europe in the midst of an economic crisis, not everything went to plan during the countdown to these first finals. Participation did not only involve a long sea journey for the Europeans; the clubs would have to renounce their best players for two months. Consequently, more and more associations broke their promise to participate and it took much manoeuvring by Rimet to ensure at least four European teams - France, Belgium, Romania and Yugoslavia - joined him on the Conte Verde liner bound for Buenos Aires.

The first FIFA World Cup opened at the brand-new Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on 18 July 1930. It was the beginning of a new era in world football and the inaugural event proved a remarkable success, both in a sporting and a financial sense. Of course, the organisers were disappointed that only four European sides had participated. The anger in Montevideo was so intense in fact that four years later, world champions Uruguay became the first and only team to refuse to defend their title.

When the Congress convened in Budapest in 1930, it thanked Uruguay for staging the world championship for the first time in difficult conditions. It also noted its regret at seeing only a minimum number of teams participating from Europe.

The significance of the new tournament only increased following the setback FIFA suffered in the lead-up to the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. After failing to settle differences of opinion over the amateur status of footballers with the International Olympic Committee regarding the amateur status of football players, plans to organise the Olympic Football Tournament were abandoned.

FIFA chose Italy ahead of rival candidates Sweden to host the second FIFA World Cup and this time it took qualifying matches to arrive at the 16 finalists. Unlike in 1930 there were no groups and only knockout rounds, meaning Brazil and Argentina went home after playing just one match each. Once again, the home team prevailed, Italy winning the Final against Czechoslovakia in extra time. For the first time, the Final was transmitted on the radio.

Four years later, Rimet saw his wish fulfilled when the third FIFA World Cup took place in France, his home country. Again not everything ran according to plan: Austria had disappeared from the scene and so Sweden did not have an opponent in the first round. Uruguay still did not wish to participate and Argentina withdrew. This is why the national teams from Cuba and the Dutch East Indies came to France. This time, there was no home victory and Italy successfully defended their title.

The FIFA World Cup should have taken place for the fourth time in 1942 but the outbreak of World War Two meant otherwise. Although FIFA maintained its Zurich offices throughout the conflict, it was not until 1 July 1946 in Luxembourg that the Congress met again. Thirty-four associations were represented and they gave Rimet, who had been President for a quarter of a century already, a special Jubilee gift. From now on, the FIFA World Cup trophy would be called the Jules Rimet Cup.

As the only candidate, Brazil was chosen unanimously to host the next FIFA World Cup, to be staged in 1949 (and postponed to 1950 for time reasons). At the same time, Switzerland was given the option for 1954.

The year 1946 saw the return of the four British associations to FIFA. This was thanks in large part to the diplomatic talent of Jules Rimet who found in Arthur Drewry and Sir Stanley Rous farsighted partners in the English FA. Both men would head FIFA in later years.

The event was celebrated with a match between Great Britain and a 'Rest of Europe XI' played at Hampden Park, Glasgow on 10 May 1947.Billed as 'The Match of the Century' by the press, it drew a crowd of 135,000 spectators and receipts amounted to £35,000. As a sign of goodwill, this sum was placed at FlFA's disposal in order to help the governing body surmount financial difficulties brought on by the war years. The British won the game 6-1.

The first post-war FIFA World Cup™ was staged in Brazil in 1950, where the hosts lost out on the title to Uruguay. For the second time, the 'Jules Rimet Cup' was bound for Montevideo.

The start of the fifth finals in Switzerland in 1954 signalled the end of Rimet's long reign. After opening the tournament in Lausanne, the 80-year-old President confirmed his retirement at the Congress in Bern on 21 June. Rimet earned a standing ovation from his fellow delegates and, moreover, became the first Honorary President. For the last time, on 4 July, the 'Father of the World Cup' presented the captain of the victorious team, West Germany's Fritz Walter, with the 'Jules Rimet Cup'.

Rodolphe William Seeldrayers was the fourth President of FIFA, stepping into the shoes of Jules Rimet whom he had assisted as Vice-President for over 25 years. In his new function, he celebrated the 50th Anniversary of FIFA, which now counted 85 members. Yet his reign was brief, curtailed by his death in October 1955.

Seeldrayers' successor was Arthur Drewry who was elected President on 9 June 1956, but had already headed FIFA for over half a year on an interim basis. He chaired the Study Committee for the new FIFA Statutes and opened the sixth FIFA World Cup in Stockholm in 1958. Brazil captured their first world title in Sweden but it would prove the only finals of Drewry's presidency. He died on 25 March 1961 aged 70.

FIFA's operations were controlled for six months by the Swiss Ernst B Thommen who, as chairman of the Organising Committee for the 1954, 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups, gave great service to the world governing body. Then, on 28 September 1961, Sir Stanley Rous was elected the sixth President of FIFA.

Rous was an international referee in his younger years and in the late 1930s had helped rewrite the Laws of the Game. It was to his great delight that during his term of office, England won the world crown in 1966. As President, Rous oversaw further expansion. During this post-colonial period, the number of members grew steadily with affiliation to FIFA among the first steps taken by many newly independent nations. The television transmission of the FIFA World Cup also contributed considerably towards the worldwide expansion.

As a private institution, FIFA's means and possibilities were still very much restricted as it received neither governmental subsidies nor funds from other sources. Income came strictly from profits from the FIFA World Cup and this money had to be spread out over a four-year period. It took a great deal of self-sacrifice, therefore, to maintain FIFA's good work and Rous achieved this. In recognition of his merits, he was made Honorary President in Frankfurt on 11 June 1974. On that day, the Brazilian Dr Joao Havelange took over the reins of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

From the moment the South American Confederation, the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol, presented his candidature for the FIFA Presidency in 1970, Dr João Havelange had looked for solutions to the major problems of world football. When the Brazilian was elected at the 39th Congress in 1974, he was ready to consider football not only as a competition but also to try and find new ways and means of promoting technical development worldwide.

Havelange's installation in FIFA's headquarters heralded the dawn of a new era. Previously, with survival dependent almost exclusively on FIFA World Cup™ proceeds in four-yearly intervals, the world governing body had been somewhat conservative when it came to taking decisions. In no time, Havelange transformed an administration-oriented institution into a dynamic enterprise brimming with new ideas and the will to see them through.

The actual address in Zurich, home to FIFA since 1932, did not alter but beside the Derwald Villa on the Zurichberg, which in 1974 housed a staff of just 12, a modern office building now rose housing almost 100 employees coming to grips with an ever increasing workload.

Back in 1974, FIFA was flexing its muscles in readiness for the tenth FIFA World Cup, which was very much a trial of strength between Europe with nine teams and South America with four. The ripples created by political upheavals, particularly in Africa where many former colonies had been granted independence, were beginning to be noticed on the international sports scene. At that time Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF were each still sending one selection each to the world football showpiece. For the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, Havelange duly increased the table of competitors from 16 to 24 teams.

Since that decision, the unqualified success of teams that were once derided as also-rans has reinforced Havelange's notion that his policies were right. For the 1998 finals in France, the field was increased again to 32 finalists, allowing even greater participation from all the confederations.

On a political level, Havelange firmly followed the course of appeasement and service, following the principle of universality to which FIFA has committed itself. Under his leadership, the FIFA offices became the hub of sporting diplomacy. One notable example of this was when representatives from Iraq, Iran, the two Koreas, Japan and Saudi Arabia came face to face in Zurich in July 1993 to discuss the Asian final qualifying round for USA 94 in an atmosphere of friendship and peace.

Havelange had already shown his flair for taking advantage of the conciliatory potential of football at exactly the right moment. After intense diplomatic activity - the Brazilian visited every association at least once- he smoothed the way for the People's Republic of China to return to FIFA. In 1991 the two Koreas sent a joint team to the FIFA World Youth Championship in Portugal. And because of its particular situation, Israel began competing with European teams in all FIFA qualifying competitions.

Over the past 25 years football has enhanced its status as the world's leading game, reaching into other branches of society, commerce and politics. Football, more than any other factor, has enveloped whole regions, people and nations.

With approximately 200 million active players it now constitutes a substantial chunk of the leisure industry, having opened up new markets for itself and for the rest of the business world.

The potential has yet to be exhausted, especially in Asia and North America. As of mid-2007, FIFA has grown to include 208 member associations, thus making it one of the biggest and certainly the most popular sports federation in the world.

On 8 June 1998 Joseph S. Blatter was elected as successor to Dr João Havelange and became the eighth FIFA President. This victory at the 51st FIFA Ordinary Congress in Paris elevated the Swiss, who had already served FIFA in various positions for 23 years, on to the highest rung in international football.

Winners of the World Cup

Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, with Italy hard on their heels with four wins and West Germany on three. Here is a list of all the World Cup winners along with runner-up and final score.

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Most of us here at Bet King Compare are partial to a little bet on the footy. Theres nothing quite like that moment when a 12 team acca comes in (albeit once in a blue moon). Most of us, in reality, are more akin to seeing one team letting us down by conceding in the 91st minute and scuppering any plans we had already made in our heads on how to spend our winnings!

In this section we will look at this years major footballing events & dates plus take a delve into the beautiful game itself and its history.

The Beautiful Game - Dates to put in your diary!

The first piece of silverware on offer this season is drawing ever closer with the EFL Cup final just around the corner.

When is the final?

The 58th EFL Cup final takes place at Wembley Stadium on February 25th, 2018.

Do the winners qualify for Europe?

Yes, the winner will enter the second qualifying round of next season's Europa League.

Should the winners finish fifth or above in the final Premier League standings, the team who finishes sixth gets the spot.

If the FA Cup winners finish fifth or above, the spot goes to the seventh-placed team.

Who is in the final?

Arsenal V Man City will contest the 2018 EFL cup final at the home of English Football.

The FA Cup

The Emirates FA Cup Season 2017-18 Round Dates & Information

Extra Preliminary Round Saturday 5 August 2017

Preliminary Round Saturday 19 August 2017

First Round Qualifying Saturday 2 September 2017

Second Round Qualifying Saturday 16 September 2017

Third Round Qualifying Saturday 30 September 2017

Fourth Round Qualifying Saturday 14 October 2017

First Round Saturday 4 November 2017

Second Round Saturday 2 December 2017

Third Round Saturday 6 January 2018

Fourth Round Saturday 27 January 2018

Fifth Round Saturday 17 February 2018

Quarter Final Saturday 17 March 2018

Semi-Final Saturday 21 April 2018

The Final Saturday 19 May 2018

Who has won the FA Cup the most times?

The record for the most wins is held by Arsenal with 13 victories. The cup has been won by the same team in two or more consecutive years on ten occasions, and four teams have won consecutive finals more than once: Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

When is the final?

English football's showpiece event will take place at Wembley on May 19th, 2018.

Do the winners qualify for Europe?

Yes, the winners of the FA Cup will go to the Europa League group stage - unless they have already qualified for Europe through other means. Therefore, if Manchester United win the FA Cup but qualify for the Champions League (by finishing in the top four) their Europa League spot is passed on.

Who is in the final?

TBC

UEFA Champions League

When is the final?

The 2018 UEFA Champions League finale will be held at NSK Olimpiyskyi Stadium, Kyiv and is scheduled for Saturday 26 May, kick-off 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT)

Do the winners automatically qualify for next years competition?

Yes, the winner will enter the 2018/19 competition at the group stage.

Who is in the final?

TBC.

UEFA Europa League

When is the final?

The 2018 UEFA Europa League final will be played at Stade de Lyon on Wednesday 16 May, kick-off 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT)

Do the winners automatically qualify for Europe next season?

Yes, the winner will enter the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2018/19.

Who is in the final?

TBC.

The Origins of Football

When was football first invented?

Records trace the history of association football back more than 2,000 years ago to ancient China. Greece, Rome, and parts of Central America also claim to have started the sport; but it was England that turned football into the game we all know and love today.

The Football Association, English football’s governing body, was formed in 1863. ‘Organised football’ or ‘football as we know it’ dates from that time.

Ebenezer Morley, a London solicitor who formed Barnes FC in 1862, could be called the ‘father’ of The Association. He wasn’t a public school man but old boys from several public schools joined his club and there were ‘feverish’ disputes about the way the game should be played.

Morley wrote to Bell’s Life, a popular newspaper, suggesting that football should have a set of rules in the same way that the MCC had them for cricket. His letter led to the first historic meeting at the Freemasons' Tavern in Great Queen Street, near to where Holborn tube station is now.

The FA was formed there on 26 October 1863, a Monday evening. The captains, secretaries and other representatives of a dozen London and suburban clubs playing their own versions of football met “for the purpose of forming an Association with the object of establishing a definite code of rules for the regulation of the game”.

The English Premier League

When did the English Premier League start?

It was on 17th July 1991 that the founding members signed the agreement that would change the face of english football forever, heralding in a new era that would bring excitement and wealth to the clubs involved, thanks to Sky TV. The timing was also perfect, with English football having being exiled from all European competitions for five years it had started to lag behind the likes of Serie A, Primera Liga & Bundesliga.

The first televised Premier League match was between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, with a solitary goal from Teddy Sheringham (on his Forest debut) enough to clinch the game and a special place in history.

Who were the first Premier League Champions?

The inaugural Premier League season ended with Manchester United being crowned as champions. This was the season that Sir Alex Ferguson would win the first of his 13 Premier League titles. The nomadic yet brilliant Frenchman, Eric Cantona, proved to be the catalyst for Ferguson's United and they would go on to dominate English football for years to come.

The Manchester United squad celebrating after winning the very first Premier League Trophy

Most wins in a season?

In 2016/17 season Chelsea racked up an incredible 30 wins in 38 Premier League games on their way to winning the title.

Fewest wins in a season?

The 2007/08 season was one to forget for Derby County fans as they only once in the entire campaign.

Has any team gone a season without losing?

Yes, this has only happened once since the Premier League started. It was the Arsenal 'invincible's' who went the entire 2003-2004 season without losing a single game. That was one heck of a team may we just add, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires & co they made winning look easy that year!

What is the highest Premier League attendance?

A record 83,222 people witnessed Tottenham Hotspur beat their arch-rivals Arsenal by a solitary goal on 10 February 2018.

What is the most goals scored in a Premier League Season?

In 2009-10 season Chelsea scored a record-breaking 103 goals on their way to lifting the Premier League Trophy.

What is the most goals conceded in a Premier League Season?

Back in 1993-94 season, Swindon Town made their only ever appearance in the Premier League but were soon relegated, conceding 100 goals. This is the only occasion when a century of goals has gone against a team in a Premier League campaign.

What is the most points achieved in a Premier League season?

In 2004-05, Jose Mourinho led Chelsea to the Premier League title and they amassed a record 95 points that year on their way to being crowned champions.

What is the fewest points achieved in a Premier League season?

This unenviable record goes to Derby County who racked up a measly 11 points in what was a difficult 2007-08 campaign for them in the top-flight.

Which player has the most Premier League Appearances?

Gareth Barry made a total of 652 appearances in a 20 year career that began on 2nd May 1998. He went on to retire in 2018 following a successful career in which he represented Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton & West Brom. He also made 53 appearances for England scoring 3 international goals.

Who is the oldest player to play in Premier League?

In a career spanning almost thirty years, John Burridge became the oldest player in Premier League history in 1994-95 season. The veteran goalkeeper made 4 appearances for Manchester City that season at the age of 43.

Who is the youngest player to play in Premier League?

At just 16 years 65 days old, Matthew Briggs became the youngest ever player to appear in the Premier League when he came on as a substitute for Fulham in a game against Middlesborough in May 2007.

Who has scored the most Premier League goals?

Newcastle, Blackburn and England legend Alan Shearer still holds the record for all-time Premier League goals. He scored 260 goals in total and was considered by many to be the 'ultimate number 9'. He also played 63 times for England, scoring 30 goals before retiring and becoming a regular pundit on BBC's Match of the day.

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Golf Masters 2018

The 2018 Masters Tournament will be the 82nd edition of the Masters Tournament and the first of golf's four major championships to be held in 2018. It is scheduled for April 5–8 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

The Masters has the smallest field of the four major championships. Officially, the Masters remains an invitation event, but there is a set of qualifying criteria that determines who is included in the field.

Each player is classified according to the first category by which he qualified, with other categories in which he qualified shown in parentheses. Dates when a qualifying category will be completely determined are indicated in italics.

Golfers who qualify based solely on their performance in amateur tournaments (categories 6–10) must remain amateurs on the starting day of the tournament to be eligible to play.

2018 US Masters - Outright Winner Odds

Each-way 1/4 the odds a place 1,2,3,4,5 (click on odds to be directed to best available odds)

The Course

Hole No. 1 - Tea Olive

Par 4 445 Yards

The slight dogleg right is not the easiest tee shot golfers will face. Carrying the fairway bunker will require a drive of 300 yards, and shorter hitters will face an uphill shot to the undulating green.

Hole story

No. 1 was first named Cherokee Rose for Georgia's state flower.

Significant changes since opening

Fairway bunker adjusted, 2006

Trees added to left side of fairway, 2006

Tee moved back 15-20 yards, 2006

Back of tee reduced 7 yards and scorecard changed to 445 yards, 2009

About the plant

Evergreen, can be pruned into a tree or bush; Tiny white fragrant flowers bloom October to March.

Spot it on the course

It's to the right of the fairway and rear of the green on No. 1.

Where and how the plant grows

Native to eastern Asia

Grows slowly but can reach 30 feet high and 20 feet wide

Full to partial sun -

Acidic, well-drained soil

Moderately drought tolerant, once established - Propagation by cuttings

Hole No. 2 - Pink Dogwood

Par 5 575 yards

A slight draw off the tee sets up a chance to reach the par-5 green in two. Bunkers in front of the green often come into play.

Hole story

Before it was Pink Dogwood, No. 2 was named Woodbine.

Significant changes since opening

Fairway bunker shifted to right, 1999

Tee moved back 20-25 yards, 1999

About the plant

Deciduous, flowering tree

Pink, biscuit-shaped blossoms from March to May

Red berries in fall are a favorite of songbirds.

Where and how the plant grows

Can grow 20 to 40 feet high and wide

Shade tolerant

Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil

Moderately drought tolerant

Propagation from seeds

Sensitive to pests and diseases

No. 3 - Flowering Peach

Par 4 350 yards

Most players opt for position off the tee with a long iron or a fairway wood. The small green, which slopes from right to left, is not entirely visible from the fairway.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Fairway bunker complex built, 1982

About the plant

Deciduous, flowering tree

Single, semidouble and double blooms in late March to early April

11/2-inch flowers in shades of white, pink and red appear before new leaves unfold

Where and how the plant grows

Native to China

Can grow 25 feet high and wide

Full sun

Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil; nitrogen is essential

Moderately drought tolerant

Susceptible to damage by late spring frosts or extreme winters

Propagation by cuttings or grafting

No. 4 Flowering Crabapple

Par 3 240 yards

This tough par-3 requires a long-iron shot to the green, which is guarded by a pair of bunkers.

Hole story

No. 4 once was named Palm.

Significant changes since opening

Tee moved back 30-35 yards for 2006

About the plant

Deciduous, flowering tree

Produces fragrant single and semi double blooms from late March to early April - 3/4- to 1-inch flowers range from light pink to deep rose

Colorful 1-inch apples in summer to fall

Where and how the plant grows

Can grow 25 to 30 feet tall, depending on variety

Very adaptable

Full sun

Well-drained soil

Moderately drought tolerant

Propagation by seed, cuttings or grafting

Varieties produced from hybridizing

No. 5 - Magnolia

Par 4 455 yards

The deep fairway bunkers on the left require a carry of 315 yards around the dogleg. Large humps in the green make it a challenging putting surface.

Native to Southeastern U.S.; state tree of Mississippi; state flower of Louisiana .

Significant changes since opening

Fairway bunkers extended about 80 yards toward the green, 2003.

About the plant

Evergreen tree with 5- to 8-inch-long leathery oblong leaves

Produces fragrant 10-inch white blooms in May and June

Flowers are followed by cone-shaped fruit that yields small berries in late summer.

Where and how the plant grows

All varieties can grow 60 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide.

Full sun to partial shade

Slightly acidic, well-drained soil

Moderately drought tolerant

Propagation by cuttings, grafting or seed

No. 6 - Juniper

Par 3 180 yards

This downhill par-3 usually requires no more than a medium iron to the large, undulating green. Put the ball on the wrong part of the green, however, and a three-putt is likely.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Pond filled in at front of green, 1959

About the plant

Deciduous, flowering tree

Coniferous evergreen shrub or tree

Low-maintenance plant with fragrant blue-green to dark green foliage

Junipers are dioecious (take on male or female form)

In late summer, female trees produce berries and flowers

Where and how the plant grows

Native to North America

Can grow 40 to 50 feet high and 10 to 20 feet wide

Full sun to partial shade

Well-drained, alkaline or acidic soil

Little need for water once established

Propagation from seeds

No. 7 - Pampas

Par 4 450 yards

The new tee installed in 2002 puts a driver back into most players hands. The hole features a narrow fairway to an elevated, well-bunkered green.

Hole story

Before it was Pampas, No. 7 was named Cedar.

Significant changes since opening

Green relocated and bunkers added, 1938

Tee moved back 35-40 yards, 2006

Trees added to both sides of fairway, 2006

Green rebuilt for possible right-rear pin position, 2006

About the plant

Evergreen ornamental grass with sharply serrated leaves

In late summer, yields silver-white plumes that stay until winter

Where and how the plant grows

Native to Argentina

Fast-growing clumps can be 8 to 10 feet high and wide

Space 6 to 8 feet apart in mass plantings; grows larger than expected

Full sun

Clay to sand, alkaline to acidic soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by division

No. 8 Yellow - Jasmine

Par 5 570 yards

A large fairway bunker makes this par-5 difficult to reach in two shots. A blind uphill shot awaits those who are tempted to go for it in two.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Tee moved back 15-20 yards and shifted 10 yards to golfer's right, 2002

Fairway bunker reshaped and nearly doubled in size, 2002

About the plant

Flowering semi-evergreen vine

Produces 11/2-inch bright yellow trumpet flowers during first warm period in February; can bloom briefly in early fall

Where and how the plant grows

Native to Southeastern U.S.; state flower of South Carolina

Slow-growing; can climb to 20 feet high

Sun to partial shade

Moist soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by seeds or cuttings

"Pride of Augusta" is a double-flowering form

No. 9 - Carolina Cherry

Par 4 460 yards

The severely sloped green makes par a challenge. Accuracy off the tee is required, and approach shots that are short of the target often roll off the green.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Tee moved back 25-30 yards, 2002

About the plant

Flowering evergreen tree - Fast-growing, with dense foliage

Produces small white to cream flowers in fragrant 2-inch clusters from February to April

Where and how the plant grows

Native from North Carolina to Texas

Can grow 25 to 40 feet high and 15 to 25 feet wide

Shade tolerant

Moist, well-drained soil

High drought tolerance, once established

Propagation by seeds or cuttings

No. 10 - Camellia

Par 4 495 yards

Historically the toughest hole at Augusta National, the tee shot requires a hard hook to gain extra distance. Drives that go too far right will leave a long second shot; if they go too far left, trees are a problem.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Green relocated from fairway bottom to current location, 1937

Tee moved back 5-10 yards and moved five yards to the golfer's left, 2002

About the plant

Flowering evergreen shrub, can be pruned into a tree

Yields 2- to 5-inch single to double flowers in white, pink, red and variegated from late fall to spring

Where and how the plant grows

Native to Asia

Needs room to grow; can reach 6 to 15 feet high and 5 to 10 feet wide

Partial shade

Acidic, moist soil

Drought tolerant once established

Propagation by seeds or cuttings

No. 11 - White Dogwood

Par 4 505 yards

The start of Amen Corner is the most difficult hole in recent years because of its added length. A slight fade off the tee is necessary to reach the fairway. The greenside pond is more of a factor, because players have longer shots into the green.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Tee relocated and pond left of green built, 1950

Green, pond and bunker complex adjusted, 1999

Tee moved back 10-15 yards, 2006

Trees added to right side of fairway, 2004 and 2006

Dogwoods added to wooded area on left, 2006

Fairway shifted to left, 2006

Several trees removed on right side of fairway and fairway widened, 2008

About the plant

Deciduous flowering tree

Blooms late March to early April; 3- to 4-inch white flowers with four bracts surrounding tiny yellowish flowers clustered in center

In fall, produces red berries and brilliant red leaves

Where and how the plant grows

Virginia's state tree; state flower of North Carolina

Grows 20 to 40 feet high and 25 to 30 feet wide

Shade

Rich, acidic, moist to dry soil

Moderately drought tolerant

Propagation by seeds

Planting not recommended in heavy, wet soil, unless it's on a raised bed

No. 12 - Golden Bell

Par 3 155 yards

The shortest hole is a bear to play because of swirling winds. Its usually a medium- or short-iron shot to a narrow green that is protected by Raes Creek in front and azaleas behind.

Hole story

Before it was Golden Bell, No. 12 was named Three Pines.

Significant changes since opening

None

About the plant

Deciduous flowering shrub

Blooms at first hint of spring with 3/4-inch golden yellow blooms followed by dark green foliage

Where and how the plant grows

Native to China

Grows to 8 feet

Sun

Moist, well-drained, rich, loose organic soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by cuttings

Extremely disease resistant

No. 13 - Azalea

Par 5 510 yards

The classic risk-reward hole became more challenging with a new tee added in 2002. A slight draw is required to get into position for the second shot to the par-5, but a tributary of the creek catches shots that come up short.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Tee moved back 20-25 yards, 2002

About the plant

Flowering shrub - Hundreds of varieties (deciduous and evergreen); plant assortment to extend floral display from February to October

Colors vary; tubular flowers with long stamens; evergreens are most colorful Spot it on the course

Where and how the plant grows

Georgia's native azalea has yellow flowers.

Size varies; can grow up to 8 feet high and 10 feet wide

Filtered shade, morning sun

Acidic, well-drained soil

Low drought tolerance - Propagation by seed or cuttings

Plant in fall; prune after blooming

No. 14 - Chinese Fir

Par 4 440 yards

It's the only hole on the course without a bunker, but a severe green provides plenty of problems. Players often have to hit driver instead of a 3-wood, and a sloping fairway kicks shots into trouble on the right. Large undulations on the green make this the trickiest to putt.

Hole story

No. 14 was once named Spanish Dagger.

Significant changes since opening

Bunker on right side of fairway landing area removed, 1952

Tee moved back 30-35 yards, 2002

About the plant

Evergreen tree

Fast-growing, exotic tree with bright green, pointed needles

Produces ornamental cones - Despite being an evergreen, it sheds some branches in fall

Where and how the plant grows

Native to China

Grows 30 to 75 feet tall and 10 to 30 feet wide

Sun to partial shade

Acidic, moist, well-drained soil

Extremely high drought tolerance

Propagation by cuttings

No. 15 - Fire Thorn

Par 5 530 yards

Changes made in the last decade make reaching this par-5 hole in two shots a challenge, but plenty of birdies will be had. A pond guards the green in front, but those who lay up face a hard shot from a downhill lie.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Pond in front of green enlarged, 1961

Tee moved back 25-30 yards, 2006

Tee shifted about 20 yards to golfer's left, 2006

About the plant

Large, thorny evergreen shrub is a member of the rose family.

Creamy white April blooms are small and plain but profuse.

Yields thick clusters of orange berries in summer to early winter Spot it on the course.

Where and how the plant grows

Grows fast; can reach 8 to 12 feet high

Full sun

Well-drained soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by cuttings

Plant in low-traffic area to avoid contact with thorns.

No. 16 - Redbud

Par 3 170 yards

This par-3 requires anything from a short- to medium-iron shot. The green is the holes main defense; being below the hole is a must. The back bunker and a pond on the left also pose hazards.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Stream in front of green transformed into a pond, 1947

About the plant

Deciduous flowering tree

Blooms March to May; clusters of small orchid-pink blooms before new heart-shaped leaves appear; followed by long seed pods

Called Judas tree based on myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself on the related Cercis siliquastrum

Where and how the plant grows

Native to Eastern U.S.

Grows 20 to 30 feet high and 15 to 25 feet wide

Full sun to shade (in Southern zones)

Moist, well-drained, fertile soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by seed

No. 17 - Nandina

Par 4 440 yards

For most players it's a short-iron second shot into a rock-hard green.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Tee moved back 10-15 yards, 2006

About the plant

Old-fashioned, tough evergreen shrub with fernlike foliage

Blooms April to May; large clusters of small, creamy flowers

In winter, yields clusters of brilliant red berries

Where and how the plant grows

Grows 6 to 8 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide

Sun to shade

Moist, well-drained soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by seed or division

No. 18 - Holly

Par 4 465 yards

The closing hole has become a 465-yard challenge with the extension of the tee in 2002. An accurate drive is a must, and an expanded bunker complex requires a clout of 335 yards to carry. Trees to the left of the bunkers prevent a bailout on that side, and the elevated green is guarded by bunkers.

Hole story

Significant changes since opening

Double bunker constructed left of fairway landing area, 1967

Tee moved back 55-60 yards and moved to the golfer's right five yards, 2002

Bunker complex adjusted, 2002

About the plant

Deciduous, flowering tree

Dioecious evergreen tree with spiny, dull green leaves

From March to June, male and female bear inconspicuous green or white flowers.

Female yields bright red poisonous berries in winter, if male is also present.

Where and how the plant grows

Grows to 35 to 50 feet high and 15 to 25 feet wide

Shade tolerant

Moist, well-drained, acidic, sandy soil

High drought tolerance

Propagation by cuttings

Masters History

A look at how The Masters began...

Newspaper headlines were full of big names in the spring of 1934.

President Roosevelt was busy trying to prevent an auto strike. German Chancellor Adolf Hitler was working on a plan to increase Germany’s population. Clark Gable attended the Academy Awards dinner, but Katherine Hepburn and Charles Laughton declined to attend.

On the sports pages, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig were still belting spring training home runs for the New York Yankees.

In Augusta, another big name was dominating the headlines.

Robert T. Jones Jr (Bob to his friends) was making his return to competitive golf. The venue was Augusta National Golf Club, and the setting was the first Augusta National Invitation Tournament.

At 10:35 a.m. on March 22, 1934, Jones struck his tee shot on what is now the 10th hole at Augusta National.

Jones gathered himself and, with playing partner Paul Runyan and their caddies in tow, strode down the fairway.

For Jones, much more was at stake than his return to competition. It was about the club he co-founded, Augusta National, and a tournament, the Masters, that would prove to be his lasting gift to the game.

Jones’ journey from the 11th green at Merion Cricket Club on Sept. 27, 1930 – where he closed out Eugene Homans to win the U.S. Amateur and complete the Grand Slam – to Augusta 3½ years later is an interesting one.

Consider that Jones had not seen Fruitland Nurseries, the site where Augusta National was built, until after his Grand Slam.

Consider that Jones and Clifford Roberts, who shared a vision for a private golf club and an annual tournament that would celebrate Jones and his friends, were trying to raise money for their venture at the height of the Great Depression.

“Most golf courses during the Depression were folding,” said Sid Matthew, an attorney and historian. “What a tremendous challenge it was for them to build. And then to make it popular.”

Jones had been plotting his retirement for some time, but it still came as a shock to the public when he announced it in late 1930. After all, he was only 28.

The pressure of competing in major championship events took a toll on Jones. He was the prohibitive favorite in every event, and he yearned for the day when he could enjoy a game of golf with friends and not be surrounded by thousands of fans.

So he and Roberts set off to build his dream course. But he also had several other projects he was busy with.

Jones went to Hollywood in 1931 and made the highly popular film series How I Play Golf. He also had signed on with sporting goods manufacturer Spalding during this time and, according to Matthew, was partly responsible for such innovations as registering your club specifications and developing a “matched” set of clubs.

The legendary Bobby Jones in action

Jones went back to California in 1933 to do a follow-up series of instructional films, and he also did quite a bit of writing as an associate editor for The American Golfer, a magazine.

He also spent time following his friends in championship events around the country.

On July 15, 1931, The Augusta Chronicle trumpeted the news that Jones had picked Augusta for his new course.

“Bobby Jones to Build His Ideal Golf Course on Berckmans’ Place” was the large headline that accompanied a story from O.B. Keeler, an Atlanta sportswriter who was Jones’ friend and biographer.

Remarkably, course construction took less than two years. The course opened for limited play in December 1932, and the formal opening was a month later.

Getting members to join was more of a challenge, but Jones and Roberts persevered.

The final step was to stage a tournament. Initially, they wanted to bring the U.S. Open to their course, but that didn’t happen for a number of reasons. So Jones and Roberts decided to hold their own annual event.

When Jones stepped to the tee for the first round in 1934, he was still the man to beat. At least he was in the minds of the press and the public.

“It’s the Field Against Bobby” read a headline in The Chronicle’s edition March 22, 1934.

“It will be a matter of stepping back under heavy pressure for the first time since 1930,” Grantland Rice wrote in a preview of the first tournament for The American Golfer. “No one can say in advance how the nerve strain will affect him, what his mental attitude will be against the keen blades of so many stars, all after his scalp.”

In reality, no one knew what to expect from Jones. He had shot 1-under-par 71 in a practice round, and a few weeks before the tournament he had fired an impressive 65.

Whether Jones would even play was up for debate. According to the club, he wanted to serve as an official and preferred not to play. But the membership prevailed upon him to join the field.

“The final argument that persuaded Bob to agree to play, or so he said, was one I advanced, to the effect that he simply could not invite his golfing friends to play on his course and then decline to play with them,” Roberts wrote in his book, The Story of the Augusta National Golf Club.

Jones drew a crowd – The Chronicle reported that 900 automobiles representing 38 states and Canada passed through the entrance – but he didn’t thrill the gallery with his round of 76. The score left him in the middle of the pack and six shots behind a trio of leaders, including eventual winner Horton Smith.

The culprit, according to Keeler’s account the next day, was Jones’ putting. He required 35 putts, far more than he needed during his prime. His play off the tee and with the longer clubs was fine, according to Keeler.

Jones “smacked a spoon” onto the green at the par-5 fourth (now 13) and two-putted for a birdie. At the 11th (now 2), he “hit a brassie shot like a ruled line to the distant green, seven feet from the pin – and nearly took three putts.”

Short-game woes kept Jones from being a threat. He improved in the second round, shooting 2-over 74, but was eight strokes behind Smith.

Paired with Walter Hagen for the third round, Jones shot even-par 72 but lost the head-to-head battle to Hagen’s 70. The headline in The Chronicle read, “Jones Surrenders Final Chance.”

In the final round, Jones posted another 72 to finish the tournament at 6-over 294, 10 shots behind Smith. The tie for 13th would be his best showing in 12 Masters appearances.

Smith had the banner headline, but the newspapers played up Jones saying he would play in his tournament the next year.

How did Jones view his performance?

“I think in one word: relieved,” said Matthew, the historian. “Another word: proud. That the debut of his course drew what should have been the expected rave reviews from those who knew the difference between an inspiring golf course and one that was challenging to play.”

A tournament was born.

“I think Jones was satisfied he had pulled off what he had intended to pull off,” Matthew said. “And then he could go hide for a while.”

The 1930s

Bobby Jones builds his dream course, Augusta National Golf Club, and the first Masters is played in 1934. Gene Sarazen helps put the tournament on the map on the map with his double eagle, and playoff win, in 1935.

1931 - Construction Begins

Tournament co-founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts decide to buy the old Fruitland property in Augusta, Ga., for $70,000. Dr. Alister MacKenzie is selected to help Jones design the course, and construction of Augusta National Golf Club begins in the summer.

1934 - The First Masters

The inaugural Augusta National Invitation Tournament (named the Masters Tournament in 1939) is played at Augusta National Golf Club. Horton Smith beats Craig Wood by a stroke, and becomes the first Masters champion. His share of the purse is $1,500.

1935 - Holes Reversed

The holes are reversed before the tournament, making the front nine the "second nine."

1935 - Shot Heard ‘Round the World

Gene Sarazen helps put the tournament on the map with his rare double eagle, known as the “shot heard ‘round the world.” Sarazen wins a 36-hole playoff the next day.

1936 - First Two-Time Champion

Horton Smith edges Craig Wood by a stroke to become the first two-time Masters champion. The rain-delayed tournament started on a Friday and ended on a Monday.

1937 - Lord Byron’s Charge

Byron Nelson became part of Masters lore thanks to his charge in the final round. Nelson trailed Ralph Guldahl but made up six strokes at Nos. 12 and 13 with a birdie and eagle. Guldahl, meanwhile, played the two holes in 5-6, and Nelson cruised to his first major victory.

1938 - Weather Delays Start

Henry Picard had to battle the field and the elements to earn his Masters victory in 1938. Inclement weather pushed the start of the tournament back to Saturday, and 36 holes were played Sunday.

1939 - Guldahl breaks through

Ralph Guldahl didn't want to be a Masters bridesmaid for the third time. Guldahl shot 3-under-par 33 on the final nine holes to win by a stroke, and his total of 279 would not be eclipsed until 1953. The tournament was officially named the Masters.

The 1940s

World War II interrupts play for three years, but not before Byron Nelson wins his second Masters in a memorable duel against Ben Hogan. Sam Snead, in 1949, is the first winner to receive a green coat.

1942 - Nelson's Playoff Win

In a memorable Monday playoff, just the second in the brief history of the tournament, Byron Nelson wins his second Masters. He beats boyhood friend and rival Ben Hogan for the win.

1943-1945 - The War Years

The Masters Tournament is not played during the years 1943, 1944 and 1945 because of World War II. To help with the war effort, turkey and cattle are raised on the Augusta National grounds.

1946 - First Major Upset

The Masters Tournament returns after a three-year hiatus. Herman Keiser gives the tournament its first major upset when he beats Ben Hogan by a stroke.

1947 - First sub-par rounds

Four sub-par rounds earned Jimmy Demaret a spot in the Masters record book as the first golfer to accomplish that feat. This is Demaret's second Masters win.

1948 - Ike Likes Augusta

Dwight D. Eisenhower, war hero and future president, becomes an Augusta National Golf Club member in 1948.

1949 - First Green Jacket Presented

Sam Snead wins the Masters by three strokes and receives a green jacket, starting a tradition that continues to this day. Snead's share of the purse is $2,500.

The 1950s

1950 - First Three-Time Winner

Jimmy Demaret becomes the first three-time Masters champion after final-round leader Jim Ferrier bogeyed five of the final six holes.

1953 - Ike's Cabin Built

After Augusta National Golf Club member Dwight D. Eisenhower is elected president in 1952, members build a cabin for the President, his wife, Mamie, and his Secret Service protection. Known as the Eisenhower Cabin, or Ike's Cabin, it is near the 10th tee at Augusta National.

1954 - Snead Garners Third Win

A memorable duel between Sam Snead and Ben Hogan was almost upstaged by amateur Billy Joe Patton. Snead and Hogan wound up tied after 72 holes at 1-over-par 289, and Patton finished one shot behind them. In the playoff the next day, the two men battled but Snead prevailed by one shot, 70-71, for his third and final Masters win.

1956 - First TV Broadcast

CBS broadcasts the third and fourth rounds of the Masters, the first time the tournament is televised. Cameras provide coverage of holes 15 through 18. Jack Burke Jr. rallies from eight shots behind to beat amateur Ken Venturi.

1958 - Amen Corner Named

Herbert Warren Wind, golf writer for Sports Illustrated, uses the term "Amen Corner" to describe the action at golf holes Nos. 11, 12 and 13. The name is now part of Masters history. Arnold Palmer wins his first Masters. His share of the purse is $11,250.

The 1960s

Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus each win at Augusta National three times. Along with Gary Player, the first international winner, the "Big Three" dominate professional golf. With the tournament growing in popularity, attendance limitations are instituted for the first time.

1960 - First Par-3 Contest

The first Par-3 Contest is played on the Wednesday before the 1960 Masters. Sam Snead wins the contest, which is played on a short course designed by George Cobb and Clifford Roberts.

1960 - Palmer Wins Second Masters

Arnold Palmer rallies in spectacular fashion with birdies on his final two holes to win his second Masters.

1961 - First Foreign Player Win

South African Gary Player becomes the first foreign player to wear the green coat, defeating Arnold Palmer and amateur Charles Coe. Player's share of the purse is $20,000.

1963 - First Honorary Starters

The tradition of having honorary starters begins this year. Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod hit their ceremonial shots from the first tee before the first round of the Masters.

1963 - Youngest Masters Winner

Jack Nicklaus, at age 23, is the youngest player to win the Masters.

1964 - First Four-Time Winner

Arnold Palmer, who rallied in spectacular fashion, became the first golfer to win the Masters Tournament four times.

1965 – Nicklaus sets 72-hole record

Jack Nicklaus shattered the 72-hole scoring record with a total of 271 in winning his second green jacket. His score of 64 in the third round ties the course record.

1966 - First Back-To-Back Win

Defending champion Jack Nicklaus becomes the first player to achieve back-to-back wins at the Masters. He receives his third green jacket.

1968 - Scorecard Error

Argentina's Roberto De Vicenzo was poised to battle Bob Goalby in an 18-hole playoff when he got the sad news that he had signed an incorrect scorecard. Goalby is ruled the winner.

1971 - Bobby Jones Dies

Bobby Jones, Masters Tournament co-founder, dies on Dec. 18, 1971. He is buried at Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery where thousands of fans visit his gravesite every year and leave items such as golf balls, clubs and golf tees.

1975 - Nicklaus Makes History

On the 18th hole, Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf had chances to send the tournament to a playoff, but each missed from close range, securing a record fifth green jacket for Jack Nicklaus.

1979 - First Sudden-Death Playoff

Fuzzy Zoeller survives the first sudden-death playoff at the Masters against Ed Sneed and Tom Watson. He joins Horton Smith and Gene Sarazen as the only men to win in their first try at Augusta National.

The 1980s

Seve Ballesteros spearheads the European invasion - five Masters are won by golfers from that continent - but they can’t stave off Jack Nicklaus’ charge in 1986 to become the oldest winner.

1980 - First European Win

Seve Ballesteros, a 23-year-old Spaniard, supplanted Jack Nicklaus as the youngest champion. He also became the second international champion and the first from Europe to don a green jacket.

1981 - Bentgrass Arrives

Augusta National Golf Club switches its greens from bermuda grass to bentgrass. The Par-3 Course made the switch in 1978.

1981 - Watson's Second Jacket

Tom Watson shoots 1-under 71 for a two-shot win over Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller for his second Masters win and fifth major title. Watson's share of the purse is $60,000.

1984 - Crenshaw's Consecutive Birdies

Ben Crenshaw's three consecutive birdies, including a memorable 60-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole, takes him to his first green jacket. He tops Tom Watson by two shots for the win.

1986 - One For The Ages

In the final round, 46-year-old Jack Nicklaus makes his charge with a 30 on the final nine and becomes the oldest player to win the Masters. He collects his sixth green jacket, also a tournament record. Nicklaus' share of the purse is $144,000.

1987 - Augusta Native Wins

The 1990s

Nick Faldo and other Europeans continue to excel, but the Masters ushers in a new era in 1997 when Tiger Woods becomes the youngest champion. He also breaks numerous records, including the 72-hole scoring record.

1990 - Faldo Defends Title

Nick Faldo of England becomes the second Masters winner to successfully defend his title. Faldo beat Raymond Floyd, the 1976 winner, in a sudden-death playoff. Faldo's share of the purse is $225,000.

1991 - Woosnam Wins

Ian Woosnam, of Wales, got off to a slow start with 72 but roared into contention with a second-round 66. Woosnam, Tom Watson and Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal all came to the final hole tied for the lead. Mistakes by Watson and Olazabal allow Woosnam to sink his final putt for the win.

1992 - A Green Jacket For Couples

Final-round leader Fred Couples hit the bank on the far side of Rae’s Creek on the 12th hole but the ball, defying gravity, did not roll back into the water. From there, Couples chipped up close to save par and went on to win by two strokes over close friend and mentor Raymond Floyd. Couples' share of the purse is $270,000.

1993 - Langer's Second Win

Bernhard Langer of Germany wins his second green jacket and becomes the 12th golfer with multiple victories. The trend of foreign dominance at the Masters continues. Five of the six winners from 1988-93 came from outside the United States.

1994 - European Takes Title Back

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal joined countryman Seve Ballesteros as a Masters champion with his win in 1994, extending Europe's dominance at Augusta National Golf Club.

1995 - Ben's Emotional Win

Famed golf instructor Harvey Penick, who helped Ben Crenshaw when he had swing problems, had died the previous Sunday. With memories of Penick in his head, Crenshaw went out and shot 70-67-69-68, beating Davis Love III by a stroke for his second Masters. Crenshaw's share of the purse is $360,000.

1996 - Faldo's Third Green Jacket

This year is known not only for Nick Faldo's win, but also for Greg Norman's collapse. Faldo was six strokes behind Norman in the final round. Norman's struggles on the back nine allowed Faldo to win by five strokes. Nick Faldo joins Gary Player, Sam Snead and Jimmy Demaret as three-time Masters winners. Faldo's share of the purse is $450,000.

1997 - Tiger's Historic Win

With a record-shattering performance, Tiger Woods becomes the first minority golfer to win the Masters. Woods, 21, is also the youngest champion and earned a tournament record 18-under-par with a record 12-shot victory.

1998 - Lucky 15 for O'Meara

Mark O'Meara birdied the final two holes, something only two other golfers in Masters Tournament history had accomplished, to win by a shot over Fred Couples and David Duval. The win came in his 15th try at the Augusta National. No one had ever played in that many Masters and then won the title. O'Meara's share of the purse is $576,000.

The 2000s

Tiger Woods adds to his resume with three more wins, and also becomes the third back-to-back champion. Chairman Billy Payne ushers in a new era of leadership with a focus on growing the game through technology and creating a new tournament in Asia.

2000 - HDTV Broadcasts Begin

The Masters is the first golf tournament to be broadcast live in HDTV on network television.

2000 - A First For Singh

Vijay Singh of Fiji played 22 holes in three under par Sunday for his victory at Augusta National.

2001 - Woods' Grand Slam

Tiger Woods completed his version of the Grand Slam with a two-stroke Masters victory, his second win at Augusta. He is now the only golfer in history to hold the four major championship titles at the same time. Woods' share of the purse is $1,008,000.

2002 - Woods' Back-To-Back Win

Tiger Woods makes it look easy, winning back-to-back Masters and earns his third green jacket. He joins Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only golfers with consecutive wins at the Masters. Woods' winning share of the purse is $1,080,000.

2003 - First Canadian Champion

Mike Weir became the first Canadian to wear a green jacket, and the first left-hander in 40 years to win a major, after the first sudden-death Masters playoff in 13 years.

2004 - Mickelson Wins A Major

Phil Mickelson, the man known as the best golfer never to win a major, rolled in an 18-foot birdie putt to win the 68th Masters Tournament by a shot. Mickelson had finished second in three major championships and was third in five others, including the past three Masters.

2005 - Woods Makes It Four

Tiger Woods added a fourth green jacket to his Masters collection, but this one didn't come easy. For the first time in Masters history, the playoff started on No. 18. Woods beat Chris DiMarco by a stroke to tie for second place with Arnold Palmer for most Masters victories; Jack Nicklaus has six. His share of the purse is $1,260,000.

2006 - Another Major Win

Phil Mickelson's second Masters victory is his third major championship in nine starts, and second in a row after August's PGA Championship. He defeated runner-up Tim Clark by two-strokes. Before winning the 2004 Masters, Mickelson had been winless in 46 majors.

2007 - Fifth Toughest Masters

Zach Johnson remained calm to win the highest-scoring Masters Tournament in 51 years. He tied the tournament record for high winning score at 1-over 289. He also set a record for a Masters champion with 16 bogeys. The high winning score was understandable; this was the fifth toughest Masters on record. His share of the purse is $1,305,000.

2008 - Immelman Earns Jacket

Trevor Immelman of South Africa beats Tiger Woods by three shots in the final round. Immelman finishes at 8-under 280, nine shots lower than last year's winning total. At age 28, he is the youngest Masters champion since Woods won his second Masters in 2001 at age 25.

2009 - 52 Consecutive Masters

Three-time Masters champion Gary Player of South Africa competes in his 52nd consecutive and final Masters.

2009 - Cabrera's Sudden-Death Win

Argentina's Angel Cabrera outlasts Kenny Perry, winning the 73rd Masters on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. He is the first Masters champion from South America and the 15th player to win the Masters on Easter Sunday. Cabrera's share of the purse is $1,350,000.

The 2010s

Excitement is plentiful as Phil Mickelson adds his third green jacket, and Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson win with memorable finishes. Augusta National admits its first two female members in 2012 with Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore.

2010 - 3-D Broadcast Begins

The Masters and the Par-3 Contest is produced and distributed live in 3-D, on TV and the internet. This is the first time the technology is used for any major sporting event.

2010 - Mickelson's Third Green Jacket

Phil Mickelson captures his third Masters win. Mickelson finishes at 16-under 272. Only Tiger Woods, in 2001, has had a lower winning score in the past 13 years. His share of the purse is $1,350,000.

2011 - Historic Birdies For Charl

Charl Schwartzel, 28, of South Africa, becomes the first Masters champion to birdie his final four holes - two more than any other winner ever had to finish. He also did it in just his second appearance. Schwartzel's share of the purse is $1,440,000.

2012 - Double Eagle And A Hook Shot

The rarest of golf shots - a double eagle - helped Louis Oosthuizen earn a spot in a playoff with Bubba Watson. But it is Watson's amazing hook shot from the trees during the playoff that allowed him to pick up his first major win and a green jacket. His share of the purse is $1,440,000.

2013 - Scott gets first win for Aussies

After decades of frustration and numerous close calls in the Masters Tournament, Australia's dry spell ended when Adam Scott rolled in a playoff birdie. Scott birdied two of his final three holes and beat 2009 winner Angel Cabrera on the second hole of sudden death to become the first winner from Down Under. The win earned him $1,440,000.

2014 - Ike's Tree Damaged, Removed

Golf’s most famous pine tree is no longer guarding the 17th hole at Augusta National Golf Club. The Eisenhower Tree suffered major damage in an ice storm and was removed.

2015 - Spieth goes wire-to-wire

On the 20th anniversary of the last Texan – Ben Crenshaw – to win the Masters, 21-year-old Jordan Spieth closed with 2-under-par 70 on Sunday to win by four shots and finish at 18-under-par 270, matching Tiger Woods’ 18-year-old scoring record.

2016 - Willett delivers

On the 20th anniversary of one of the greatest collapses in tournament history, Danny Wil­lett tied for the day’s low round and took advantage of defending champion Jordan Spieth’s back-nine blunders to win the 80th Masters Tour­na­ment.

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The XII Commonwealth Games will take place between 4-15 April on the Gold Coast, Australia.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will welcome more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 Commonwealth nations and territories to the Gold Coast and event cities Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, to share in the celebration of sport, entertainment and culture.

The largest sporting event to be staged in Australia this decade, GC2018 will feature the largest integrated sports program in Commonwealth Games history, comprising 18 sports and seven para-sports.

Beach Volleyball, Para Triathlon and Women’s Rugby Sevens will make their Commonwealth Games debuts and for the first time at a Commonwealth Games, an equal number of men’s and women’s medal events will be contested.

The Commonwealth is a collective of independent sovereign states spread across every continent and ocean and makes up to 30% of the worlds population. From Asia to Africa and beyond, the Commonwealth is composed of a rich variety of faiths, races, languages, cultures and traditions.

Countries participating in Commonwealth Games 2018

Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia (host nation)

Bahamas

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belize

Bermuda

Botswana

British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Cameroon

Canada

Cayman Islands

Cook Islands

Cyprus

Dominica

England

Falkland Islands

Fiji

Ghana

Gibraltar

Grenada

Guernsey

Guyana

India

Isle of Man

Jamaica

Jersey

Kenya

Kiribati

Lesotho

Malawi

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Montserrat

Mozambique

Namibia

Nauru

New Zealand

Nigeria

Niue

Norfolk Island

Northern Ireland

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Rwanda

Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa

Scotland

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Swaziland

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

Uganda

Vanuatu

Wales

Zambia

The current regulations state that from the 26 approved sports administered by Commonwealth Governing Bodies, a minimum of ten core sports and maximum of seventeen sports must be included in any Commonwealth Games schedule.

Integrated disabled competitions are also scheduled for the Games in nine sports: swimming, athletics, cycling, table tennis, cycling, power-lifting and lawn bowls. Along these events for the first time EAD events in triathlon will be held, with the medals being added to the final tally for each nation. A record 38 para events will be contested at these games. On 8 March 2016, Beach Volleyball was announced as the 18th sport.

The program will be broadly similar to that of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, with the major changes being the dropping of judo, the reintroduction of basketball, the debut of women's rugby sevens and beach volleyball.

On 7 October 2016, it was announced seven new events for women were added to the sport program, meaning there will be an equal number of events for men and women. This marks the first time in history that a major multi-sport event will have equality in terms of events. In total 275 events in 18 sports will be contested.

Sports

Aquatics

Diving

Swimming

Athletics

Badminton

Basketball

Beach volleyball

Boxing

Cycling

Mountain biking

Road

Track

Gymnastics

Artistic Gymnastics

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Hockey

Lawn bowls

Netball

Rugby sevens

Shooting

Squash

Table tennis

Triathlon

Weightlifting

Powerlifting

Wrestling

Commonwealth Games 2018 FAQs

When will the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) be held?

The Gold Coast will host the Commonwealth Games from 4-15 April in 2018.

Who is organising the Commonwealth Games this year?

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) have the role to plan, organise and deliver GC2018, working alongside the Commonwealth Games Federation, Australian Commonwealth Games Association, Federal and Queensland Government and the Gold Coast City Council.

Where will the Games be held?

Events will predominately be held at venues on the Gold Coast. Some events will also be held in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

What sports will be contested at Commonwealth Games 2018?

Eighteen sports and 7 Paralympic sports will be contested this year.

Where should I stay during the Games?

The Gold Coast is rich in accommodation options with many great places to stay. To view information about the Gold Coast including where to stay, places to see and things to do, visit the Gold Coast Tourismwebsite or call 1300 309 440.

History of the Commonwealth Games

From 4-15 April, 2018, the Gold Coast will create its own slice of history when it hosts the 21st Commonwealth Games.

It will be the fifth time Australia has staged the Commonwealth Games following Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006) – making Australia the nation that has hosted the most number of Games.

Significantly, GC2018 will mark the first time a Commonwealth Games will be held in a regional Australian city.

he Commonwealth Games have been conducted by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) every four years (except for 1942 and 1946 due to World War II) since the first British Empire Games were held in Hamilton, Canada in 1930.

There have been many magical moments witnessed at the Commonwealth Games over the years, including the famous “Miracle Mile” at the 1954 Games when England’s Roger Bannister and Australian John Landy created history by both breaking the four-minute mile in a race.

A key player in the staging of the first Commonwealth Games was sports reporter and administrator Melville Marks (Bobby) Robinson, who helped bring to reality what Commonwealth nations had been dreaming about for three decades.

Since then, the Games have grown from an event featuring 11 countries and 400 athletes to a modern sporting spectacular that includes 70 nations and territories and over 6,600 athletes and team officials.

Important change has also been made in gender equity over the years, with GC2018 set to mark the first time in the history of a major multi-sport Games that there will be an equal number of medal events for men and women.

The size and format of the sporting competition has also grown over the years.

Up until the late 1990s, there had only ever been single competition sports before the introduction of hockey (men and women), netball (women) and rugby 7’s (men) at the Kuala Lumpur Games in 1998.

It wasn’t until eight years later at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 that basketball was introduced.

GC2018 will see the first ever Beach Volleyball competition on the Gold Coast – a fitting inclusion for the globally renowned beachside destination.

But the Commonwealth Games are more than just about competition.

They aim to unite the Commonwealth family through sport.

The Games reflect the CGF’s core values of humanity, equality and destiny.

They bring together members of the Commonwealth of nations to compete on a level playing field in a spirit of friendship and fair play often referred to as the ‘friendly games’.

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a collective of diverse nations spread across every continent and ocean and makes up to 30% of the world’s population. From Asia to Africa and beyond, the Commonwealth is composed of a rich variety of faiths, races, languages, cultures and traditions.

The Commonwealth Games is a unique, world class, multi-sport event that is held once every four years and is often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’. The Commonwealth Games brings together the members of the Commonwealth of Nations in an effort to raise the bar of sport for all humanity and provide a level playing field where athletes compete in a spirit of friendship and fair play.

There are a total of 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, including a number of British overseas territories, Crown dependencies and island states who compete under their own flag. England, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Jersey, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all send separate teams to compete in the Games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games. As a means of improving society and the general well-being of the people of the Commonwealth, the CGF also encourages and assists education via sport development and physical recreation.

Underlying every decision made by the CGF are three core values:

Humanity

Equality

Destiny

These values help to inspire and unite millions of people and symbolise the broad mandate of the CGF within the Commonwealth. The main element of the Commonwealth Games brand is ‘The Bar’.

A symbol that represents the Games’ effort to raise the bar of sports and level the playing field where athletes can come to complete in a spirit of friendship and fair play. It also acts as a collective aspiration for the whole of the Commonwealth and is something that will be present during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Motto

The official motto for the 2018 Commonwealth Games is "Share the Dream". It was chosen to highlight the dreams and experience at the games that were shared by participants of the games, ranging from athletes to volunteers and the host country Australia to the world including the Commonwealth nations.

Emblem

The emblem of the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a sihoulette of the skyline and landscape of Gold coast, the host city of the games. It was chosen to represent the vibrancy, warmth, friendliness, energy and joy in the city, as well as the competitive spirit of the athletes who are welcomed to the city to participate in the games.

Mascot

Borobi was named as the mascot of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in 2016. Borobi is a blue koala, with indigenous markings on its body. The term "borobi" is an Aboriginal term for koala.

888 Sportsbook

Mr Green Sports Review

Mr Green’s expansion into the world of sports betting has been nothing short of sensational. Swedish gaming site Mr Green was already a hugely popular brand for online casino but the migration from casino to sportsbook isn’t always a smooth transition. The online sportsbook launched to coincide with the Euro 2016 football tournament held in France and hit the ground running, offering up a fresh, clean interface to shake up sports betting online.

What Software Does Mr Green Sports Use?

Mr Green has partnered with sports betting experience company Kambi, based in Malta, where Mr Green is also licensed and regulated. Rather than simply outsource the sports book, Kambi offers a collaborative sourcing approach, which allows Mr Green to innovate and differentiate the platform from other sports websites using the same software. It also has a dedicated mobile app that can be downloaded for iOS and Android.

Game Providers

User Experience

The new sportsbook platform has a clean, minimal design, all in stylistic shades of green one would expect of the titular company. A series of well-spaced tabs and windows welcome players, highlighting popular events and bets, as well as the option to dive into a particular sport, or the Mr Green specials.

A handy search bar at the top allows users to search for specific sports, teams or leagues. The responsive design of the website means that it appears the same on both desktop computers and mobile devices. Another key feature of Mr Green Sportsis that it gives you as much info as it can to make an informed bet.

For example, clicking on a particular match will bring up a window filled with statistics, such as the last six results of the two players or teams and the last results of when they faced each other, to help guide you as you gamble.

Odds and Prices

As Mr Green offers one of the largest selection of sports to bet on, it is a sportsbook that caters to all tastes and all betting types. Betting options include single bets, each way, combination bets or as system bets. The site also supports a number of different styles of accumulators, including Trixie, Patent, Yankee and Heinz.

A tab at the bottom of the page allows you to change the default fractional betting system to the European decimal one, or the American favoured money line odds. The odds at Mr Green are in line with their direct competitors, but because they cover such an extensive range of events, they may be one of the only sites that take a bet on specific markets.

What Betting Markets are Offered at Mr Green Sports?

Mr Green offers an extensive market of sports to bet on, with 35 sporting and non-sporting activities, as well as the sportsbook specials, which are constantly updated. More popular markets such as football have a host of options, including:

Match and Total Goals

Both Teams to Score

Double Chance

Half Time

Total Goals – 1st Half

Draw No Bet

Asian Handicap

3-Way Handicap

Total Goals by Home Team

Total Goals by Away Team

Mr Green offers bets across a wide range of sports, with the main markets being football, tennis, horse racing and cricket. There are also popular sports such as basketball, golf, ice hockey, in addition to Rugby League and Rugby Union.

However, the diverse list of sports and activities include lesser known markets like bandy, handball, pesapollo, yachting, WWE, UFC and MMA fighting. Like many sports websites, it also has options to bet on non-sporting activities, such as politics, film and TV awards and literature prizes.

Most Popular Betting Markets at Mr Green Sports

Football

Horse Racing

Golf

Tennis

Cricket

Baseball

Basketball

Rugby

Handball

Does Mr Green Sports Offer Live Betting?

Yes, although Mr Green is a relatively new sportsbook, there is an in-play tab on the site, allowing you to bet live across a multitude of sports, including football, tennis, badminton and snooker.

Security and Banking

Mr Green offers extensive customer support features, available 24/7, including telephone, email, online chat and feedback form. There are a number of ways to fund your Mr Green sports wallet, including Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, as well online services such as PayPal, Skrill, ClickandBuy and Neteller.

Payments made in are usually available straight away. If players are withdrawing back onto a debit or credit card, they may need to wait 1 to 3 working days, while online payment systems will receive the money much faster, often within 24 hours. Mr Green allows one free withdrawal every seven days, with a fee of 1% for any additional withdrawals, maximum of £10.

Payment Methods:

Our Verdict

Mr Green’s expansion into sports betting really is very exciting, offering the same level of quality that players have come to expect from the gaming website. The design is crisp and clean, while browsing between game variations and betting types is very fast. It’s a highly welcome addition.

Pros

Cons

partnered with sports betting experience company Kambi

does not offer Virtual Sports betting

platform has a clean, minimal design, all in stylistic shades of green

”What is the minimum possible bet amount?”

The minimum bet can vary from bookmaker to bookmaker with stakes starting as low as 1p and upto £10 depending which brand you choose to go with. Our featured online betting company is Mr Green where the minimum bet is just £1.

Big Winnings With Small Bets: Our Top 5

1. £1 Returns £181,500

On the 30th January 2016, one lucky punter placed a £1 16-match accumulator on that weekend’s games across fully six different countries. Each and every one of those selections landed and returned the anonymous punter a princely £181,570.50.

2. £2.50 Returns £272,000

In 2011 one punter successfully landed a nine-match football accumulator. Perhaps most notably, that 108,800/1 acca included the selection of Barcelona to draw with Athletic Bilbao, which eventually came about thanks to an unlikely 85th minute Bilbao equaliser.

3. 85p Returns £585,100

One anonymous punter had a very happy festive period in 2011 when they placed one of the biggest ever successful accumulators. A 19-match football accumulator, the 683,738/1 bet returned £585,143.24 for an 85p stake and had amongst the most ever selections for a successful acca.

4. 30p Returns £500,000

On May 23rd 2001, an anonymous Manchester United supporter walked into his local betting shop to collect on a 15-event 1,666,666-1 accumulator. Placed the previous August, the accumulator covered a variety of football, rugby and cricket competitions and cost the bookmaker an astounding £500,000 for a 30p stake.

5. 50p Returns £1 Million

That’s right, £1 million. In 2008, Yorkshire resident Fred Craggs placed a cross-card eight-race accumulator on horse races at Sandown Park, Wolverhampton and in Dubai. At odds of 2000000-1, Mr Craggs understandably only risked 50p on the wager but collected a cool £1 million when all eight horses duly delivered.

How To Win Big With Small Bets

There’s only one way to win REALLY BIG with minimum bets and that’s by placing an accumulator…

If you have an accumulator of four selections, for instance, the odds for the accumulator are calculated as follows:

If each selection is at odds of evens or 2.0 in decimal, for example, that would mean total odds for the accumulator of 16.0, as 2 x 2 = 4, 4 x 2 = 8 and 8 x 2 = 16.

Why Bet Small?

Want to jump right in and look at our featured Online Betting offer? Ok, no problem!

We reviewed over 80 Online Betting sites in 2017 and it was Mr Green that came out on top! Why did they score so highly? Because, Mr Green has come a long way in the past 12 months in terms of developing the overall sportsbook package. The reason we like them the most is because not only do they have everything you would want and expect to find at a sportsbook site, but, they also have much better odds than the majority of the Online Betting sites we have encountered.

Cons

No virtual sports games

A relative newbie

Bottom Line

Mr Green’s foray into sports betting is very exciting, offering the same level of quality players have come to expect from the gaming website. The design is crisp and clean, while browsing between game variations and betting types is very fast. It’s a highly welcome addition.

”How do you deposit and withdraw from an online bookmaker?”

The following shows you how the deposit process works at MrGreen:

Head to MrGreen and log in by entering your username and password at the top right of the page and clicking ‘Go’.

Click on the ‘Deposit’ link which will now be displayed beneath your username at the top right of the page.

Choose the ‘Credit/Debit Card’ option from the drop down menu at the head of the form which will now have appeared on screen.

Fill out the rest of the fields on the same form with information pertinent to your deposit, including the deposit amount and any deposit limits you may wish to set.

Click the green ‘Make Deposit’ button found beneath the form and its terms and conditions.

Deposit FAQ’s

Are There Fees Applied to Deposits?

Fortunately, the answer to this question is a resounding no in the case of the vast majority of online bookmakers. If you stick to those providers reviewed by us on this site, certainly, you should hardly ever encounter deposit fees for the most popular deposit methods. In the few cases where fees are applied, they are unlikely to exceed 1-2%.

How Long Does Depositing Funds Take?

As shown by the above guide, the actual process for depositing should never take more than a couple of minutes. For most deposit methods, too, funds should appear in your account instantly once the process is complete. The only exceptions to that can be in the case of bank or wire transfers which can take up to a few days to process fully.

Is There a Minimum Deposit Amount?

Most bookmakers do have a minimum deposit amount and this does differ from one to the next and from one deposit method to another. In general, however, the minimum required for the most reputable bookmakers and the most popular deposit methods is usually either £5 or £10.

Is There a Maximum Deposit Amount?

Once again, deposit maximums are also invariably applied by bookmakers and do differ according to the bookmaker and the deposit method. With the biggest bookmakers, however, they are generally quite high and can run into the tens of thousands of pounds.

How to withdraw from an online bookmaker:

Once again, the process is quite simple and differs little from bookie to bookie. The below guide to withdrawing for MrGreen but should be usable for all bookmakers:

Log into your account by entering your username and password at the top right of the MrGreen homepage and clicking ‘Go’.

Click the ‘Services’ drop down menu found immediately beneath where your username and account balance is now displayed at the top right of the page.

Click the ‘Withdraw’ option from that menu.

The withdrawal method which matches your initial deposit method will automatically be selected (i.e. if you deposited by debit card, withdrawing to your debit card will be the option displayed).

Withdrawal FAQ’s

Are There Fees Applied to Cashing Out?

Many of the most popular bookmakers do not apply any fees to withdrawals made via the most common withdrawal methods. For withdrawals by debit card, for instance, basically none of the best known bookmakers charge any fees. Where fees can be applied, however, is if unusual withdrawal methods such as wire transfers are requested for relatively small amounts of money.

How Long Does Withdrawing Take?

Once a customer has complete the actual withdrawal process which takes just a couple of minutes, the amount of time they will have to wait until their funds are fully available to them will differ according to their withdrawal method. In general, e-wallet withdrawal methods such as Paypal or Neteller will see funds clear within 24 hours. Debit or credit card withdrawals, meanwhile, will often take anywhere from 1-5 working days, whilst bank or wire transfers can take even longer still.

Is There a Minimum Withdrawal Amount?

As you might expect, the answer to this does vary from bookmaker to bookmaker. Largely, however, minimum withdrawal amounts for the most common withdrawal methods are in line with the corresponding minimum deposit amounts – being around £5 – £10.

Is There a Maximum Withdrawal Amount?

Similarly to minimum withdrawals, maximum withdrawals also tend to differ according to the individual bookmaker in question. Once again, however, each withdrawal method’s maximum amount tends to match the maximum possible deposit amount for that method. In the case of the most popular methods, therefore, this tends to be in the tens of thousands of pounds.

Want to jump right in and look at our featured Online Betting offer? Ok, no problem!

We reviewed over 80 Online Betting sites in 2017 and it was Mr Green that came out on top! Why did they score so highly? Because, Mr Green has come a long way in the past 12 months in terms of developing the overall sportsbook package. The reason we like them the most is because not only do they have everything you would want and expect to find at a sportsbook site, but, they also have much better odds than the majority of the Online Betting sites we have encountered.

Cons

No virtual sports games

A relative newbie

Bottom Line

Mr Green’s foray into sports betting is very exciting, offering the same level of quality players have come to expect from the gaming website. The design is crisp and clean, while browsing between game variations and betting types is very fast. It’s a highly welcome addition.

All in all, it’s a big thumbs up from all of us at Bet King Compare.

Next: ”What is the quickest deposit option?”

”How do you place a bet?”

Across the board, the process for placing a bet online is quite similar regardless of the bookmaker you choose to bet with. For that reason, our step by step guide will take Mr Green as a general example, as they are the bookmaker who rate most highly amongst our many comprehensive bookmaker reviews.

On the bet slip enter your stake and hit the “Place Bet” button to confirm.

Want to jump right in and look at our featured Online Betting offer? Ok, no problem!

We reviewed over 80 Online Betting sites in 2017 and it was Mr Green that came out on top! Why did they score so highly? Because, Mr Green has come a long way in the past 12 months in terms of developing the overall sportsbook package. The reason we like them the most is because not only do they have everything you would want and expect to find at a sportsbook site, but, they also have much better odds than the majority of the Online Betting sites we have encountered.

Cons

No virtual sports games

A relative newbie

Bottom Line

Mr Green’s foray into sports betting is very exciting, offering the same level of quality players have come to expect from the gaming website. The design is crisp and clean, while browsing between game variations and betting types is very fast. It’s a highly welcome addition.